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The brightest X-ray cluster in the universe: How did the miracle of the Phoenix cluster come into being?
In the distant universe, the Phoenix Cluster (SPT-CL J2344-4243) stands out for its amazing mass and brightness. The cluster is located in the southern hemisphere Phoenix, about 8.61 billion light-years away from the Earth. It is the brightest X-ray cluster known to date, emitting stronger radiation than any other huge star cluster. This discovery not only changes our understanding of cosmic star clusters, but also opens up new horizons for astronomical research.
The process of discovery
The first reports of the Phoenix cluster date back to 2010, when it was first identified in an extensive survey conducted by the South Pole Telescope. The survey covered 2,500 square degrees of the southern sky, using observations based on the Sunyaev-Zeldovich effect, and the Phoenix cluster was confirmed as one of the new discoveries.
This star cluster is considered to have the "greatest X-ray brightness" and its discovery broke the previous boundaries of astronomy.
Characteristics of the Phoenix Cluster
The Phoenix cluster's properties make it the subject of extensive study. Recent multi-band observations show that the cluster has a strong cooling rate of about 3280 M☉ per year, which is described as a runaway cooling flow. Such cooling flux is a cutting-edge phenomenon never before seen in a star cluster.
In addition, the star formation rate of the central galaxy here, Phoenix A, is higher than 740 M☉ per year, which is unmatched by ordinary galaxies.
Central Galaxy and Its Composition
Phoenix A is the central galaxy of the cluster, with a unique elliptical structure and a powerful supermassive black hole. The black hole is thought to have a mass up to 10 billion times that of our sun, making it one of the most massive black holes in the observable universe.
The black hole is 24,100 times more massive than the black hole at the center of our Milky Way and carries the powerful gravitational pull that drives activity within the galaxy.
The impact of the interstellar environment
The Phoenix cluster's rich hot gas and active star-forming environment keep it all alive. The gas within the galaxy is cooling at a rate of 3820 M☉ per year, a rate unprecedented in star clusters. These phenomena have led scientists to re-examine the mechanisms of galaxy evolution and the process of transformation of interstellar matter.
Implications for the future
These fascinating features of the Phoenix Cluster raise many questions, especially in the context of why such strong thermal flows and star formation rates exist simultaneously. This phenomenon may provide new clues to our understanding of how the universe formed and evolved.
ConclusionThrough in-depth research on the Phoenix Cluster, scientists will be able to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the galaxy structure and its evolution patterns in the universe. This star cluster not only attracts the attention of astronomers, but also makes us think: How many mysteries and miracles are hidden in the mysterious universe that we have not yet explored?
