What's Happening?
Astronomers from the University of Oxford have identified a massive rotating cosmic gas filament in the galaxy cluster Abell 3667. This structure, one of the largest rotating objects in the universe, is composed primarily of dark matter interwoven with
ordinary matter. It spans approximately 50 million light-years and contains about 300 galaxies. At its center, a chain of 14 hydrogen-rich galaxies stretches 5.5 million light-years long. The filament's unique feature is the alignment of galaxy spins and its rotational motion, likened to a 'spinning cups' ride at a theme park. An ultramassive black hole at the center emits light equivalent to 10 trillion Suns, highlighting the dynamic nature of this cosmic region.
Why It's Important?
The discovery of this massive rotating filament is significant for understanding the formation and rotation of large-scale cosmic structures. It challenges existing astrophysical models by demonstrating that such structures can form and rotate in ways previously unconsidered. The presence of an ultramassive black hole and the alignment of galaxy spins within the filament provide new insights into the dynamics of galaxy clusters. This finding could influence future research on galaxy formation and the role of dark matter in the universe.
