See Stunning Visual of Rare Galaxy Collision
The collision lit up the system like a Catherine wheel firework.
— -- 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.
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.