More Images of Phoenix Cluster
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X-ray, Optical & Radio Images of Phoenix Cluster
New observations of the galaxy cluster SPT-CLJ2344-4243 (or Phoenix Cluster) at X-ray, ultraviolet, and optical wavelengths are helping astronomers better understand this extraordinary system. Chandra data reveal large cavities in the X-rays, which are shown with optical data from Hubble. Astronomers think these X-ray cavities were carved out of the surrounding gas by powerful jets of high-energy particles emanating from near a supermassive black hole in the central galaxy of the cluster. Massive filaments of gas and dust, which extend for 160,000 to 330,000 lights years, surround the X-ray cavities.
(Credit: X-ray: NASA/CXC/MIT/M.McDonald et al; Optical: NASA/STScI; Radio: TIFR/GMRT)
Return to Phoenix Cluster (September 30, 2015)