Striking image shows mass distribution of nearby galaxy cluster
Using the Dark Energy Camera at Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory, a Program of NSF’s NOIRLab, astronomers are measuring weak gravitational lensing to map the distribution of mass in nearby galaxy clusters. As well as producing remarkable images like this one, the information will shed light on the relationships between the constituent parts of nearby galaxy clusters, such as gas, stellar populations, and dark matter.
The galaxy cluster Abell 3827 is the subject of this striking image. In addition to featuring a field of galaxies and foreground stars, the image is overlaid with a map with hues of red, blue and purple. Though they are attractive, these colors aren’t for decoration — they represent the distribution of mass in the heart of Abell 3827 with red showing the largest mass concentration.
Credit:CTIO/NOIRLab/NSF/AURA
About the Image
Id: | noirlab2012a |
Type: | Observation |
Release date: | July 1, 2020, 1:26 p.m. |
Related releases: | noirlab2012 |
Size: | 5625 x 5625 px |
About the Object
Name: | Abell 3827 |
Constellation: | Indus |
Category: | Galaxy Clusters |
Image Formats
Wallpapers
Coordinates
Position (RA): | 22 2 53.55 |
Position (Dec): | -60° 2' 0.16" |
Field of view: | 49.31 x 49.32 arcminutes |
Orientation: | North is 0.2° left of vertical |
Colors & filters
Band | Wave-length | Tele-scope |
---|---|---|
Optical g | 472 nm | Víctor M. Blanco 4-meter Telescope DECam |
lensing surface mass | 0.0 nm | Víctor M. Blanco 4-meter Telescope DECam |
Optical r | 637 nm | Víctor M. Blanco 4-meter Telescope DECam |
Optical i | 772 nm | Víctor M. Blanco 4-meter Telescope DECam |