Pandora’s cluster (VLT view)

This image from ESO’s Very Large Telescope (VLT) at the Paranal Observatory in Chile shows a wide view of the merging galaxy cluster Abell 2744. This object has been nicknamed Pandora’s Cluster because so many different and strange phenomena have been unleashed by a huge collision that occurred over a period of 350 million years. A simultaneous pile-up between at least four separate clusters produced strange effects that have never been seen together before. The VLT data were used to study the distribution of dark matter in this complex cluster.

Credit:

ESO & D. Coe (STScI)/J. Merten (Heidelberg/Bologna)

About the Image

Id:eso1120b
Type:Observation
Release date:22 June 2011, 15:00
Related releases:eso1120
Size:2017 x 2017 px

About the Object

Name:Abell 2744
Type:Early Universe : Galaxy : Grouping : Cluster
Distance:z=0.308 (redshift)
Constellation:Sculptor
Category:Galaxy Clusters

Image Formats

Large JPEG
1.4 MB
Screensize JPEG
262.2 KB

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Wallpapers

1024x768
274.9 KB
1280x1024
458.9 KB
1600x1200
691.2 KB
1920x1200
857.8 KB
2048x1536
1001.2 KB

Coordinates

Position (RA):0 14 20.41
Position (Dec):-30° 23' 56.72"
Field of view:6.71 x 6.71 arcminutes
Orientation:North is 0.0° left of vertical

Colours & filters

BandTelescope
Optical
V
Very Large Telescope
FORS1
Optical
R
Very Large Telescope
FORS1
Infrared
I
Very Large Telescope
FORS1