These images show that the Champagne Cluster is actually two galaxy clusters in the process of merging to form an even larger cluster. Bubbles of multimillion-degree gas in galaxy clusters detected by Chandra (purple) are spread throughout the cluster of more than a hundred galaxies, seen in optical light data (red, green, and blue). The hot gas outweighs the combined mass in the individual galaxies of the newly forming cluster. Researchers think further studies of the Champagne Cluster can potentially teach them how dark matter in galaxy clusters reacts to a high-speed collision.

This tactile plate is a physical relief map based on the intensity of Chandra X-ray data along with optical data. The cluster appears here as a large collection of spikes, each a distinct galaxy. A raised cloud stretches across the cluster’s crowded core. Many of the hundred-plus galaxies in the cluster are in two clumps of galaxies towards the left and right of center. Some are encircled by a faint glowing haze, while a few foreground stars gleam with diffraction spikes. Some of the galaxies appear more oblong than round, suggesting spiral shapes viewed edge-on.

The raised cloud sits at the heart of the image, surrounding the most densely-packed part of the cluster. This cloud, which spreads horizontally across the cluster, is multimillion-degree gas observed by Chandra. The two clumps of observable galaxies, and the spread of superheated gas, reveal that the Champagne Cluster is in fact two clusters in the process of colliding.

With the two clusters of sparkling light clinking together, and the auspicious discovery date, astronomers have dubbed the merged cosmic structure “The Champagne Cluster”.