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The massive galaxy cluster MACS J0717
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The massive galaxy cluster MACS J0717
This composite image shows the massive galaxy cluster MACS J0717.5+3745 (MACS J0717, for short), where four separate galaxy clusters have been involved in a collision, the first time such a phenomenon has been documented. Hot gas is shown in an image from the Chandra X-ray Observatory, and galaxies are shown in an optical image from the Hubble Space Telescope. The hot gas is color-coded to show temperature, where the coolest gas is reddish purple, the hottest gas is blue, and the temperatures in between are purple. MACS J0717 is located about 5.4 billion light-years from Earth. It is one of the most complex galaxy clusters ever seen.
The repeated collisions in MACS J0717 are caused by a 13-million-light-year-long stream of galaxies, gas, and dark matter, known as a filament, pouring into a region already full of matter. A collision between the gas in two or more clusters causes the hot gas to slow down. However, the massive and compact galaxies do not slow down as much as the gas does, and so move ahead of it. Therefore, the speed and direction of each clusters motion, perpendicular to the line of sight, can be estimated by studying the offset between the average position of the galaxies and the peak in the hot gas
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Blue Bright Celestial Cluster Collision Complex Cosmic Digital Composite Emission Nebula Galactic Galaxy Glow Luminous Open Clusters Outer Space Phenomenon Purple Regions Shining Square Image Star Clouds Star Clusters Star Formation Starforming View From Space
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This print showcases the awe-inspiring galaxy cluster MACS J0717.5+3745, a celestial phenomenon that has never been documented before. The image is a composite of two breathtaking views - one captured by the Chandra X-ray Observatory revealing the hot gas, and another from the Hubble Space Telescope showcasing the galaxies. The color-coded representation of the hot gas allows us to discern its temperature variations, with reddish purple indicating cooler regions and blue representing scorching temperatures. This massive galaxy cluster resides approximately 5.4 billion light-years away from Earth, making it an extraordinary sight in our vast universe. MACS J0717's complexity arises from repeated collisions between four separate galaxy clusters within it. These collisions are triggered by a colossal filament stretching over 13 million light-years, composed of galaxies, gas, and dark matter. As these clusters collide, their hot gas slows down while the compact galaxies continue moving ahead at a slightly faster pace. By studying the offset between average galaxy positions and peaks in hot gas distribution along with their speed and direction perpendicular to our line of sight, scientists can estimate each cluster's motion within this cosmic collision course. This remarkable photograph not only captures an unprecedented event but also serves as a testament to humanity's insatiable curiosity about our universe's grandeur and intricacies.
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