As the galaxy NGC 4402 moves through space, the interstellar gas and dust it encounters creates a resistance known as ram pressure.

In this #HubbleClassic image, this effect can be seen in the curvature caused by the forces exerted on the galaxy's disk of gas and dust; these forces are due to the heated gas in which NGC 4402 is moving.

NGC 4402 is located about 55 million light-years away in the constellation Virgo.

Image description:

A bright galactic disk is seen slightly curved upwards on the left side. A white glow emanates from behind the galaxy, which is covered in dark brown dust. The black background of space is dotted with stars and more distant galaxies.

 

Image credits: NASA & ESA

If there was life in this galaxy, would they say “NGC 4402 is like a tray on the horns of an ox”?