Chandra Release - August 20, 2008

Visual Description: Perseus A

This image features a multiwavelength view of the galaxy cluster called the Perseus Cluster.  In the center is a bright source (called Perseus A). This inner region is a strong emitter of X-rays due to the presence of a black hole in the center of the galaxy. The cluster of galaxies appears as a bright, glowing and tempestuous object, surrounded by bright sources scattered sparsely around the edges. The colors are predominantly blue-purple around the perimeter and pinkish-purple to white towards the center. The edges of the image appear much darker, with the core of the image very bright. The galaxy cluster itself has a distinctive swirly, gaseous shape like a giant clump of fireworks going off.  Chandra data is in the blue-purple and covers broadband X-ray energies. Hubble data covers optical wavelengths in softer red-pink, green and blue. Radio data from NRAO's Very Large Array in bright red is also included. The X-ray data contribute to soft violet shells around the outside of the center. Pinkish lobes toward the center of the galaxy are from radio frequencies. The radio emission, tracing jets from the black hole, fills the X-ray cavities. Dust lanes, star-forming regions, hydrogen filaments, foreground stars, and background galaxies are contributions from the Hubble optical data.