They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but for astronomers using the Hubble Space Telescope, this is more than an expression. Scientists learn a great deal about our Universe from image data alone.
In spite of a much-needed servicing visit, the Hubble Space Telescope just delivered yet another stunning image. The latest target is the Coma Cluster, one of the densest galaxy groups known to astronomers. Scientists will use the image to learn more about galaxy formation & evolution, and to compare galaxies in different environments.
Containing more than one-thousand galaxies, the Coma Cluster spans twenty million light years and resides some three hundred million light years away. Together, these galaxies represent one of two major components of an even larger group, the Coma Supercluster. The Hubble image depicts a remarkable menagerie of size, shape, interaction, and galactic evolution that is of particular interest to scientists.
Many of the cluster’s individual galaxies are visible through the Slooh telescopes and members have already run several missions to observe the region. Join us this Saturday evening at 9PM EDT/1AM UTC, as we focus on this fascinating cluster. We will observe three main regions of the Coma Cluster LIVE, including that of the Hubble image, as we guide you through the intricacies of the individual galaxies. Here’s your chance to take your own picture of this new Hubble classic.
