EMSS 1358+6245

EMSS 1358+6245 cluster of galaxies

(Image and Text Credit: Chandra/CXC)

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Using Chandra's image and spectrum of this distant galaxy cluster, scientists were able to determine the mass and the distribution of the dark matter in the cluster. They found that the dark matter mass is about 4 times that of normal matter, and the relative percentage of dark matter increases toward the center of the cluster. These precise measurements of the increase of dark matter toward the center of the cluster make it possible to set limits on the rate at which the dark matter particles collide with each other in the cluster. Such information will allow scientists to better determine the nature of dark matter, which is thought to be the most common form of matter in the universe.



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Last modified: Thursday, 26-Jun-2003 13:48:46 EDT

HEASARC Staff Scientist Position - Applications are now being accepted for a Staff Scientist with significant experience and interest in the technical aspects of astrophysics research, to work in the High Energy Astrophysics Science Archive Research Center (HEASARC) at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) in Greenbelt, MD. Refer to the AAS Job register for full details.