Chandra Release - June 9, 2025

Visual Description: PLCK G287 

This release focuses on a cloud of energetic particles surrounding a distant galaxy cluster. The cluster, known as PLCK G287, is featured in a composite image combining X-ray data from the Chandra X-ray Observatory, radio data from the MeerKAT radio telescope, and an optical image from PanSTARRS.

The galaxy cluster sits at the center of the composite image; a collection of white dots on a black canvas flecked with hundreds of similar specks. Surrounding the cluster is a blue and purple X-ray cloud. This gradated cloud, which spans about five million light years, is dark blue and purple around the outer edges, and light violet and pink near the core.

Flanking the cloud at our upper right and lower left are wispy orange and yellow bands. These bright bands are giant shockwaves, relics detected by earlier studies of radio waves in the region. The orange band at our lower left is somewhat smaller and more clearly defined, while the shockwave at our upper right is larger, and abuts the purple cloud.