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Perseus galaxy cluster
author: R.Jay GaBany/Novapix
reference: a-amg01-02003
Image Size 300 DPI: 31 * 21 cm
Perseus galaxy cluster (Abell 426) is a cluster of about 500 galaxies. The biggest (left) is NGC 1275, located 235 million light years away; it is a strong radio source known as Perseus A. The gravity exerted by the luminous parts of a galaxy cluster is insufficient to hold the cluster together. Thus, scientists have concluded the missing adhesive must be dark matter and since it's invisible to modern instruments- it can only be inferred. So, when one views the image of the Perseus Galaxy Cluster, ones sees only a small fraction of what's actually there.
This image was serendipitously exposed during the brief appearance of a supernova, designated SN2008fg, in one of the small blue spiral galaxies caught in the field of view (center right). It was discovered on August 30, 2008 by the 30-inch KAIT robotic supernova patrol telescope located at historic Lick Observatory near San Jose, California. The stellar explosion, characterized by its bright blue color, is located near the bottom right edge of the galaxy. This cataclysmic event easily outshines the combined light of its home star system, NGC 1268.
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