Coma cluster

Definition

The Coma Cluster is a large cluster of galaxies located in the constellation Coma Berenices. It is one of the richest and most densely populated galaxy clusters known, containing thousands of galaxies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Coma Cluster is approximately 320 million light-years away from Earth.
2. It contains over 1,000 identified galaxies, primarily elliptical and S0 types.
3. The central region of the Coma Cluster is dominated by two giant elliptical galaxies, NGC 4874 and NGC 4889.
4. It was one of the first galaxy clusters used to study dark matter due to its high velocity dispersions.
5. The X-ray emissions from the Coma Cluster are significant, indicating a hot intracluster medium composed of ionized gas.

Related terms

Virgo Cluster:

A massive cluster of galaxies located about 54 million light-years away in the constellation Virgo.

Intracluster Medium: Hot ionized gas that exists between galaxies within a galaxy cluster and emits X-rays.

Elliptical Galaxy:

A type of galaxy with an ellipsoidal shape and smooth, nearly featureless brightness profile.