October 30, 2007—A new Hubble image offers the most detailed view yet of a pair of galaxies entwined in a graceful dance 300 million light-years away. The image reveals fine structures that couldn't be seen when the pair was first cataloged in the 1960s.

Collectively known as Arp 87, the galactic dancers are distorted by gravity as they swing past each other. The larger of the two, known as NGC 3808 (right), trails an "arm" of stars, dust, and gases that wraps around its companion.

Interacting galaxies like Arp 87 are known to have some of the universe's highest rates of star formation.

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