A new image-processing technique called “X-arithmetic” is allowing astronomers to analyze Chandra’s X-ray data and identify features in the gas of galaxy clusters and groups like never before. By comparing the outcome from the X-arithmetic technique to computer simulations, researchers can classify some of the largest structures in the universe by their nature rather than just their appearance. The researchers applied this technique to 15 galaxy clusters and groups, and this collection shows the central regions of five galaxy clusters in the sample: MS 0735+7421, the Perseus Cluster, M87 in the Virgo Cluster, Abell 2052, and Cygnus A.

Researchers applied the "X-arithmetic" technique to 15 galaxy clusters and groups. These are five astronomical images of galaxy clusters in the sample: MS 0735+7421, the Perseus Cluster, M87 in the Virgo Cluster, Abell 2052, and Cygnus A.

This plate features galaxy cluster MS 0735. Large central pockets are surrounded by irregular cloud-like shapes and dappled pockets, which grow more granular near the outer edges.

This plate features the Perseus Cluster. The cluster resembles a corkscrew swirl of water, dotted with mottled flecks and blobs, decreasing in severity as they corkscrew outward.

This plate features the galaxy cluster M87. This cluster resembles a faint cloud making a diagonal streak from upper left to lower right, digitally spattered with irregular pixels.

This plate features the seemingly spherical galaxy cluster Abell 2052. Interwoven pockets of swirling dimples appear more concentrated near the center, and somewhat muted near the outer edges.

This plate features Cygnus A, a galaxy cluster with jets blasting in opposite directions out of a central black hole. Cygnus A is depicted as a marbled ball of pixilated pockets and ridges.