Fastest-Growing Galaxy Cluster Discovered (Gallery)

Optical (red, green, blue) and ultraviolet (blue) image of center of Phoenix Cluster, and optical images of the clusters Abell 2029 and Abell 2052. Top image taken with the NOAO Blanco telescope. Image released August 15, 2012.

Artist's impression of the galaxy at the center of the Phoenix Cluster, which is forming about 740 new stars per year. Image released August 15, 2012.

Microwave (orange), optical (red, green, blue) and ultraviolet (blue) image of Phoenix Cluster. Image released August 15, 2012.

Optical/UV/X-ray composite view of the Phoenix Cluster, with a pull-out from the central region to optical/UV image. Image released August 15, 2012.

The Perseus Cluster is an example of a black hole blasting out energy and preventing gas from cooling enough to form stars at a high rate. Repeated outbursts from Perseus' central black hole, in the form of powerful jets, create giant cavities and produce shock waves that keep gas warm. This does not appear to be happening in the Phoenix Cluster, at least not to the same degree. Image released August 15, 2012.

The South Pole Telescope (SPT) was used to study the Phoenix Cluster.

NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory floats in space in this artist's concept. Image released August 15, 2012.