See Stunning Visual of Rare Galaxy Collision
The collision lit up the system like a Catherine wheel firework.
![Researchers created this image highlighting areas of active star formation in the newly-discovered collisional ring galaxy called "Kathryn's Wheel."](https://s.abcnews.com/images/Technology/ht_galaxy_collision_02_jc_150817_16x9_992.jpg?w=1600)
— -- A rare collision of two galaxies led to a beautiful, vibrant image, resembling fireworks.
This celestial system was caused when two galaxies of similar mass collided, according to the Royal Astronomical Society.
![PHOTO: Researchers captured an image of a newly-discovered collisional ring galaxy called "Kathryn's Wheel" using the CTIO telescope in Chile.](https://s.abcnews.com/images/Technology/ht_galaxy_collision_01_jc_150817.jpg)
The shockwaves formed compressed pockets of gas emissions, which then illuminated the system with vibrant, intense colors -- like a Catherine wheel firework.
Astronomers nicknamed it "Kathryn’s Wheel" -- after the firework, and also after the wife of one of the team's lead professors, according to the Royal Astronomical Society.
The galaxy is 30 million light-years away, which is considered relatively close, the Royal Astronomical Society said.
ABC News' Lucien Bruggeman contributed to this report.