Galaxy cluster produces stars at record-setting rate
Posted: Thu, Aug 16, 2012, 9:39 AM ET (1339 GMT)
A galaxy cluster over five billion light-years from Earth is producing new stars a rate never before seen, a finding that may validate models of such clusters. The Phoenix cluster, also known as SPT-CLJ2344-4243, was discovered by astronomers in 2010. Follow-up observations by the Chandra X-Ray Observatory and other telescopes showed that the central galaxy in the cluster is creating about 750 stars the six of the Sun each year. Astronomers had previously theorized that such galaxy clusters should generate large numbers of stars as gas trapped in the cluster cools and condenses, but observations of other clusters showed a far smaller rate of star production: the previous record was only 100-150 stars per year.
A galaxy cluster over five billion light-years from Earth is producing new stars a rate never before seen, a finding that may validate models of such clusters. The Phoenix cluster, also known as SPT-CLJ2344-4243, was discovered by astronomers in 2010. Follow-up observations by the Chandra X-Ray Observatory and other telescopes showed that the central galaxy in the cluster is creating about 750 stars the six of the Sun each year. Astronomers had previously theorized that such galaxy clusters should generate large numbers of stars as gas trapped in the cluster cools and condenses, but observations of other clusters showed a far smaller rate of star production: the previous record was only 100-150 stars per year.
Related Links:
| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
US and UK militaries conduct coordinated satellite maneuvers
Posted: Sun, Sep 21 8:30 AM ET (1230 GMT) Blue Origin retires a New Shepard capsule after payload flight
Posted: Sun, Sep 21 8:25 AM ET (1225 GMT) |
|
news links
|
|
Wednesday, October 15
United Schedules First Starlink-Equipped Mainline Flight for Take Off
PR Newswire — 7:52 am ET (1152 GMT) Eutelsat Network Solutions Unveils New Brand Identity for EACOWT
PR Newswire — 7:52 am ET (1152 GMT) Final Environmental Impact Statement Issued for Planned Increase of Vandenberg Rocket Launches
KEYT-TV Santa Barbara, CA — 7:51 am ET (1151 GMT) SpaceX’s megarocket finds redemption after explosive failures. But time may be running out
CNN — 7:46 am ET (1146 GMT) K2 Space Corp, SpaceX ink Falcon 9 rocket deal for 2027 mission
UPI — 7:45 am ET (1145 GMT) |
