Final answer:
Tidal tails are elongated streams of stars, gas, and dust formed when galaxies interact gravitationally during close encounters, such as seen in galaxies like UGC 10214 ("The Tadpole") and NGC 4676 A and B ("The Mice").
Step-by-step explanation:
Tidal tails are produced when two galaxies pass near each other and pull large streamers of stars, gas, and dust away from the galaxies. The gravitational force between interacting galaxies causes this phenomenon, creating long, extended streams of material. For example, in the case of Galaxy UGC 10214 ("The Tadpole"), the passage of a smaller galaxy induced the formation of a long tidal tail approximately 280,000 light-years long and triggered bursts of star formation seen as blue clumps along the tail. Similarly, galaxies NGC 4676 A and B, known as "The Mice," showcase long tails of stars that have been pulled away due to the interactions of the two spirals. Understanding aspects such as tidal tails helps in studying galactic evolution and interactions.