Astronomical discovery: Galaxy NGC 3640, a 'cosmic cannibal' in action
Astronomers have identified an unusual elliptical galaxy that is systematically devouring smaller galaxies around it and preparing for another collision. Observations with the European Southern Observatory and #39;s (ESO) Very Large Telescope (VLT) have revealed that galaxy NGC 3640, located 88 million light-years from Earth, is on the verge of merging with nearby galaxy NGC 3641.