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Abell 2142:
Chandra Maps Cosmic Pressure Fronts
Chandra X-ray Observatory image of
the galaxy cluster Abell 2142. The image shows a
colossal cosmic "weather system" produced by the
collision of two giant clusters of galaxies. For the
first time, the pressure fronts in the system can be
traced in detail, and they show a bright, but
relatively cool 50 million degree central region
(white) embedded in large elongated cloud of 70 million
degree gas (magenta), all of which is roiling in a
faint atmosphere of 100 million degree gas (faint
magenta and dark blue). The bright source in the upper
left is an active galaxy in the cluster.
Abell 2142 is six million light years across and
contains hundreds of galaxies and enough gas to make a
thousand more. It is one of the most massive objects in
the universe. Galaxy clusters grow to vast sizes as
smaller clusters are pulled inward under the influence
of gravity. They collide and merge over the course of
billions of years, releasing tremendous amounts of
energy that heats the cluster gas. The smoothness of
the elongated cloud in the Chandra image suggests that
these sub-clusters have collided two or three times in
a billion years or more, and have nearly completed
their merger.
| Fast Facts for Abell 2142: |
| Credit |
NASA/CXC/SAO |
| Scale |
Image is 7.5 x 7.2 arcmin |
| Category |
Groups & Clusters of Galaxies |
| Coordinates (J2000) |
RA 15h 58m 19.80s | Dec +27° 13' 45.00" |
| Constellation |
Corona Borealis |
| Observation Dates |
August 20, 1999
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| Color Code |
Thermal |
| Instrument |
ACIS |
| Release Date |
March 01, 2000 |
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