Astrophotographer captures spectacular photo of Antennae Galaxies dueling in deep space

The Antennae galaxies are witnessed in the process of merging into a single elliptical galaxy.

Meyer dedicated just under 21 hours of observation time collecting light from the distant galaxies using a series of astronomy filters as they glowed in the skies over the Starfront Observatory in Rockwood, Texas. The light data was then compiled and edited using Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom in concert with the astrophotography software PixInsight.

The cosmic tug of war has triggered an outburst of star formation, which has led to the creation of "super star clusters" in the vast antenna-like arms, according to NASA. 90% of these goliath clusters are likely to disperse as the galaxies merge and settle, while others will persevere as globular clusters.