Chandra Release - January 5, 2017

Visual Description: Abell 3411 and 3412

The image shows a dramatic cosmic collision spanning millions of light-years. The composite of the galaxy clusters, Abell 3411 and Abell 3412, includes X-ray, optical and radio light. The image showcases a vibrant display of colors in cyan, hot pink, pale yellow and white on a background of black. The shape of the object slightly resembles a large jellyfish swimming towards the upper right. The large blue clumpy regions mark extremely hot gas detected in X-rays by NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory, while pink areas trace radio emission from particles accelerated by powerful shock waves triggered during the merger. The optical light from galaxies appears in white and yellow, scattered across the scene. Together, the data reveal how the clash of these massive clusters, combined with jets from supermassive black holes, drives enormous swirls of energized particles through intergalactic space, an intricate tapestry of light and color.