SCI/TECH: Distant Galaxies link �like a Daisy Chain�

Astronomers are intrigued by a distant cluster of galaxies that appear to be linked �like a daisy chain�. The discovery was made by the Japanese-built telescope Subaru, which is based in an extinct volcano in Hawaii.


bbc.co.uk

Astronomers think the cosmic alignment has something to do with the way the cluster of galaxies is being assembled.

Most galaxies in the Cosmos belong to a cluster, and in turn galaxy clusters form clusters of themselves as well.

The Subaru image is of the central portion of a rich cluster of galaxies about seven billion light-years distant.

Hundreds of galaxies are seen in a region that is much more densely populated with galaxies than our own region of space.

Astronomers are intrigued by the lining-up of the galaxies. The filamentary structure even extends outside of the image.

By observing these clusters astronomers may be on to how galaxies begin. Whilst it is not unusual to see galaxies clumped together, it has never been seen before in this kind of formation, which has left astronomers perplexed.

It appears that this cluster is gathering other galaxies and making itself into an even larger system, something that has never been seen before.

[Edited on 18-2-2004 by John Nada]

that is really cool. i was actually just watching a program on cable about stars and galexies, on the science channel. The picture from the Subaru seems so much more grainy than pictures from the Hubble, altough the Hubble is in orbit. Very interesting none-the-less.