Chandra breaks down 'Treble Clef's' galaxy cluster collision
Astronomers have identified the cause of a unique radio wave formation nicknamed the 'Treble Clef' as a collision between two galaxy clusters. The discovery was made using X-ray telescopes to peer through the Milky Way's dense gas and dust.
Why it matters
Understanding these massive cosmic structures helps scientists better comprehend the evolution of the universe and the behavior of supermassive black holes.
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Add to Preferred Sources Credit: X-ray: NASA/CXC/INAF-IRA/A. Botteon et al.; Infrared: UKIDSS-GPS; Radio: ASTRON/LOFAR; Image processing: NASA/CXC/SAO/N. Wolk Astronomers have used NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory to break down the cause of a remarkable formation of radio waves they have nicknamed the "Treble Clef" because its distinct shape strongly resembles the musical symbol.
The researchers discovered the Treble Clef is likely caused by an outburst from a supermassive black hole, followed by a collision of two galaxy clusters. A paper describing the findings, led by Andrea Botteon of the National Institute for Astrophysics, or INAF, in Italy, is published Wednesday in the Astronomy & Astrophysics journal.
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