This sequence of images of Abell 520 shows the aftermath of a
complicated collision of galaxy clusters. Chandra detects multimillion
degree gas that pervades the clusters (red). Optical telescopes can be
used to infer the location of most of the matter in the cluster -
dominated by dark matter - through its effects on distant galaxies
(blue). Visible light data also reveal the starlight from the
individual galaxies (yellow and orange). The composite image shows the
chaotic aftermath of this collision between at least two clusters of
galaxies.
[Runtime: 0:13] (Credit: X-ray: NASA/CXC/UVic./A.Mahdavi et al.; Optical/Lensing: CFHT/UVic./A.Mahdavi et al.)
Galaxy clusters are some of the largest structures in the Universe.
They can be comprised of hundreds or even thousands of individual
galaxies that are enveloped by hot gas. When these massive structures
collide, it can be an incredibly energetic event causing dark matter to
separate from 'normal' matter.
[Runtime: 0:38] Animation: NASA/CXC/A.Hobart