Arp 302

Arp 302 is a system of interacting galaxies located approximately 450 million light-years away in the constellation Ursa Major. It consists of two spiral galaxies, NGC 5953 and NGC 5954, that are in the process of gravitationally interacting. These galaxies are listed in Halton Arp's Atlas of Peculiar Galaxies, which catalogs galaxies with unusual features and shapes.

The interaction between NGC 5953 and NGC 5954 is causing gravitational disturbances in both galaxies. This is evident in their distorted shapes and the presence of tidal tails, extended streams of stars and gas pulled away from the main bodies of the galaxies.

NGC 5953 is a relatively face-on spiral galaxy, while NGC 5954 is viewed more edge-on. This difference in orientation provides astronomers with valuable insights into the three-dimensional structure of the system and the dynamics of the ongoing interaction.

Studies of Arp 302 have revealed evidence of enhanced star formation activity, likely triggered by the gravitational interactions compressing gas clouds and leading to the formation of new stars. Observations across various wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum, including visible light, infrared, and radio waves, have been used to study the properties of the galaxies and the effects of their interaction.

Arp 302 serves as a valuable case study for understanding the processes of galaxy mergers and interactions, which are important drivers of galaxy evolution.