This photograph is of a cluster of galaxies located 100 million light-years away known as Arp 227. All of these galaxies are located in the constellation Pisces, or the Fish. On the left hand side of the photograph are the shell galaxy NGC 474 and the spiral arm galaxy next to it NGC 470. There are two theories on how the shell-like ripples of NGC 747 were formed, one having to do with a gravitational encounter with its neighboring galaxy and the other proposing a merger with a smaller galaxy that caused the ripples. The large galaxy on the right hand side of the picture is known as NGC 467, and also shows slight resemblance to this rippling effect proving another intergalactic interaction. The rest of the stars and galaxies shown lie well within our galaxy and just happen to lie within the 25 arc minute view taken in the photograph.
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