Interacting Galaxy Pair Arp 87

Two galaxies in this Hubble Space Telescope image, each containing a vast number of stars, are swinging past each other in a graceful performance choreographed by gravity. The pair, known collectively as Arp 87, is among hundreds of interacting and merging galaxies known in our nearby universe. The two main players comprising Arp 87 are NGC 3808 on the right (the larger of the two galaxies) and its companion NGC 3808A on the left. NGC 3808 is a nearly face-on spiral galaxy with a bright ring of star formation and several prominent dust arms. Stars, gas, and dust flow from NGC 3808, forming an enveloping arm around its companion.