NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

For release: 09-09-04
Photo release #: 04-231

Motions in nearby galaxy cluster reveal presence of hidden superstructure

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A Chandra X-ray Observatory mosaic of images of the Fornax galaxy cluster reveals that the vast cloud of 10-million-degree Celsius gas surrounding the cluster core has a swept-back cometary shape that extends for more than half-a-million light years. This geometry suggests that the hot gas cloud is moving through a larger, but less dense cloud of gas, creating a ram pressure, or intergalactic headwind.

NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., manages the Chandra program. (NASA/CXC/Columbia U./C.Scharf et al.)

Contact Steve Roy Public Affairs Office (256) 544-0034 Megan Watzke Chandra X-ray Obs. Center (617) 496-7998

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