Images by Date
2025     2024     2023     2022
2021     2020     2019     2018
2017     2016     2015     2014
2013     2012     2011     2010
2009     2008     2007     2006
2005     2004     2003     2002
2001     2000     1999    
Images by Category
Solar System
Stars
Exoplanets
White Dwarfs
Supernovas
Neutron Stars
Black Holes
Milky Way Galaxy
Normal Galaxies
Quasars
Galaxy Clusters
Cosmology/Deep Field
Miscellaneous
Images by Interest
Space Scoop for Kids
Multiwavelength
Sky Map
Constellations
Photo Blog
Top Rated Images
Image Handouts
Desktops
Fits Files
Visual descriptions
Image Tutorials
Photo Album Tutorial
False Color
Cosmic Distance
Look-Back Time
Scale & Distance
Angular Measurement
Images & Processing
AVM/Metadata
Image Use Policy
Web Shortcuts
Chandra Blog
RSS Feed
Image Use Policy
Questions & Answers
Glossary of Terms
More Information
Groups & Clusters of Galaxies
X-ray Astronomy Field Guide
Groups & Clusters of Galaxies
Questions and Answers
Groups & Clusters of Galaxies
Chandra Images
Groups & Clusters of Galaxies
Related Podcasts
Tour: Black Holes Can Cook for Themselves, Chandra Study Shows
Download Image
JPEG
JPEG (92.4 kb)
TIFF
Tiff (1 MB)
PS
PS (5.4 MB)
High Quality Prints
Image with Scalebar

More Information
Press Release
Press Room:
EMSS 1358+6245
Handout
Handout: html | pdf

More Images
Small Dark Matter Particle Size Illustration
(Credit: MIT/J.Arabadjis et al.)
More Images
More Images


Related Images
Abell 2390 & MS2137.3-2353
EMSS 1358+6245:
Chandra Probes Nature of Dark Matter

EMSS 1358+6245
Credit: NASA/MIT/J.Arabadjis et al.
Visual Description:

The cluster of galaxies EMSS 1358+6245 about 4 billion light year away in the constellation Draco is shown in this Chandra image. When combined with Chandra's X-ray spectrum, this image allowed scientists to determine that the mass of dark matter in the cluster is about 4 times that of normal matter.

The relative percentage of dark matter increases toward the center of the cluster. Measuring the exact amount of the increase enabled astronomers to set limits on the rate at which the dark matter particles collide with each other in the cluster. This information is extremely important to scientists in their quest to understand the nature of dark matter, which is thought to be the most common form of matter in the universe.

Fast Facts for EMSS 1358+6245:
Credit  NASA/MIT/J.Arabadjis et al.
Scale  Image is 3.8 arcmin across.
Category  Groups & Clusters of Galaxies
Coordinates (J2000)  RA 13h 59m 50.60s | Dec +62° 31' 04"
Constellation  Draco
Observation Dates  Sept 3-4, 2000
Observation Time  15 hours
Color Code  Intensity
Instrument  ACIS
Distance Estimate  4 billion light years
Release Date  September 06, 2001
Visual Description:

The cluster of galaxies EMSS 1358+6245 is about 4 billion light years away in the constellation Draco and is shown in this Chandra X-ray Observatory image. When the image data is combined with Chandra's X-ray spectrum, scientists determined that the mass of dark matter in the cluster is about 4 times that of normal matter. The image captures the galaxy's brightness in X-ray light, revealing its underlying structure and features. In the center of the image, there is a bright yellow core. This represents the core of the galaxy, which emits high levels of X-ray radiation due to the presence of a supermassive black hole at its center. The surrounding areas of the image are less bright, but still visible in tones of orange, showcasing the galaxy's diffuse halo of gas and dust. Compared to familiar everyday objects, the inner brighter structure resembles a blurry guitar with the head pointing to 7 o'clock.