A Quick Look at Abell 1033
A new image with data from NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory may have science fiction fans doing a double take.
This view of the galaxy cluster Abell 1033 combines X-rays from Chandra with radio emission from a network of telescopes in the Netherlands called LOFAR.
The result is an image that bears an uncanny resemblance to the Starship Enterprise of the Star Trek franchise.
In fact, Abell 1033 is the site of two merging clusters of galaxies, which are the largest structures in the Universe held together by gravity.
Studies of Abell 1033 and other merging galaxy clusters help scientists better understand the physics that occurs when these cosmic giants collide.