Virgo cluster still being formed

ToSeek · #1 (**permalink**) 22-October-2004, 04:41 PM

The Virgo Galaxy Cluster is Still Being Formed

Quote:

At a distance of only 50 million light-years away, the Virgo Cluster is the nearest galaxy cluster to us. It's a giant structure consisting of hundreds of galaxies, both large and small, spiral and elliptical; 16 objects in this cluster are members of the famous Messier list of space objects. Astronomers have located a large number of planetary nebula floating in the "intercluster" space between galaxies, and theorize that they must be a fraction of the free floating stars and other objects which swarm around the cluster. By measuring the path of these objects, astronomers have been able to track how the Virgo Cluster is still in the process of formation.

Tom Mazanec · #2 (**permalink**) 25-October-2004, 03:04 PM

BTW, are we an outlying member of this supercluster?

ngc3314 · #3 (**permalink**) 25-October-2004, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom Mazanec

BTW, are we an outlying member of this supercluster?

Yes, as shown by the pattern of residual radial motions from a smooth expansion. It is still uncertain whether we will ever completely fall int the cluster core, though. Calculations projecting into the future incorporating the inferred rate of acceleration of the cosmic expansion indicate that the Local Group might not every finish the infalling path before it is accelerated away (and that's part of a lonely-looking future).

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