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3C438 Animations
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Images of 3C438 and Surrounding Galaxy Cluster
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This sequence of images shows how 3c438, the galaxy at the center of this
cluster, looks in various types of light. The X-ray image shows a much
different structure from the optical image, including a massive arc-like
structure to the lower left. There are also hints of a cavity in the hot gas
to the upper left. Jets seen in the radio image do not point in the same
directions as the cavity structure, adding more mysteries about this
system.
[Runtime: 0:25]
(Credit: X-ray: NASA/CXC/CfA/R.P.Kraft; Optical: Pal.Obs. DSS; Radio: NRAO/VLA/A.H.Bridle & R.G.Strom)
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Animation of Galaxy Cluster Merger
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Astronomers think the most likely explanation for what is seen in 3C438 was
the powerful collision of two massive galaxy clusters. Such clusters are
among the largest structures in the Universe. If two clusters collided at
high speeds, it would unleash an enormous amount of energy as Chandra's
X-ray data indicates.
[Runtime: 0:38]
Animation: NASA/CXC/A.Hobart
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Animation of Black Hole Eruption
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A possible detection of a cavity in the hot gas around 3C438, seen by
Chandra, would require a tremendous amount of energy to produce. This
animation shows how astronomers think such X-ray cavities are generated.
When matter funnels into a supermassive black hole, some of the matter is
expelled in a high-speed jet. Such jets would carve space into the hot
gas, creating cavities.
[Run Time: 0:17]
(Animation: NASA/CXC/A.Hobart)
View Still Images of Black Hole Eruption
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Return to 3C438
(30 May 07)
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