Bizarre galaxy shows evidence of cosmic collision

Scientists have discovered a peculiar galaxy, NGC 5084, which appears to have undergone a cosmic catastrophe. The galaxy features two energetic X-ray plumes shooting out from its core — an unusual phenomenon that hints at a turbulent past.

What makes NGC 5084 even more intriguing is a small, tilted disk of dust spinning around its centre at a 90-degree angle to the galaxy's overall rotation, reports Techspot. 

Researchers suggest this misaligned disk indicates a significant disruptive event, such as a collision with another galaxy or the eruption of superheated gas.

Lead researcher Amanda Borlaff compared analysing the data to examining forensic evidence at a crime scene. Multi-wavelength observations revealed that NGC 5084 experienced dramatic changes relatively recently. Normally, large galaxies emit X-rays in a spherical pattern, but the concentrated plumes in NGC 5084 suggest a major disturbance.

Co-author Pamela Marcum noted that finding two distinct pairs of X-ray plumes in a single galaxy is 'exceptional'. The cross-shaped structure of the plumes, combined with the tilted disk, offers insights into the galaxy's violent transformation.

The findings, published on 18 December in The Astrophysical Journal, highlight the power of modern techniques to extract new discoveries from old data. Researchers used SAUNAS (Selective Amplification of Ultra Noisy Astronomical Signal) to enhance faint signals buried in archival data, some of which date back nearly 30 years.

Although the exact cause of NGC 5084's remodeling remains uncertain, this discovery provides valuable insights into how galaxies evolve through dramatic events.