Hubble image of galaxy cluster Abell 3827 showing dark matter distribution

This image from the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope shows the rich galaxy cluster Abell 3827. The strange pale blue structures surrounding the central galaxies are gravitationally lensed views of a much more distant galaxy behind the cluster.

The distribution of dark matter in the cluster is shown with blue contour lines. The dark matter clump for the galaxy at the left is significantly displaced from the position of the galaxy itself, possibly implying dark matter-dark matter interactions of an unknown nature are occuring.

Crediti:

ESO/R. Massey

Riguardo l'immagine

Identificazione:eso1514b
Tipo:Collage
Data di rilascio:Mercoledì 15 Aprile 2015 01:01
Notizie relative:eso1514
Grandezza:2609 x 2610 px

Riguardo all'oggetto

Tipo:Local Universe : Galaxy : Grouping : Cluster
Early Universe : Galaxy : Type : Gravitationally Lensed
Categoria:Galaxy Clusters

Formati delle immagini

JPEG grande
2,8 MB