IRAS 14348−1447

IRAS 14348−1447 known as PGC 52270, are a pair of spiral galaxies located 1 billion light-years away in the constellation of Libra. The galaxy IRAS 14348−1447NE, is in the early process of merging with IRAS 14348−1447SW, causing gravity to pull stars from both galaxies and forming tidal tails. As the interaction takes place, molecular gas is swirled about and creating emission that is responsible for the galaxies' ultraluminous appearance.
IRAS 14348−1447, is classified a Seyfert 1 galaxy and has an active galactic nucleus, indicating certain activity in its supermassive black hole has awakened, possibly turning it into a quasar.