![](\"http:\/\/spaceweekly.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Galactic_Creatures_at_Play_small.jpg\")
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\nThe pair of strange, luminescent creatures at play in this image are actually\u00a0galaxies\u00a0\u2014 realms of millions upon millions of\u00a0stars.\n<\/p>\n
\nThis galactic duo is known as UGC 2369. The galaxies are interacting, meaning that their mutual gravitational attraction is pulling them closer and closer together and distorting their shapes in the process. A tenuous bridge of gas, dust, and stars can be seen connecting the two galaxies,, during which they pulled material out into space across the diminishing divide between them.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n
\nInteraction with others is a common event in the history of most galaxies. For larger galaxies like the\u00a0Milky Way, the majority of these interactions involve significantly smaller so-called\u00a0dwarf galaxies. But every few aeons, a more momentous event can occur. For our home galaxy, the next big event will take place in about four billion years, when it will collide with its bigger neighbour, the\u00a0Andromeda Galaxy. Over time, the two galaxies will likely merge into one \u2014 already nicknamed\u00a0Milkomeda.\n<\/p>\n