Clusters of Galaxies

Clusters of galaxies are vast groupings containing hundreds to thousands of galaxies bound together by gravity. They are among the largest structures in the universe, often spanning millions of light-years. These clusters also contain hot, ionized gas emitting X-rays, and dark matter that helps hold everything together. Studying them helps scientists understand the large-scale structure of the universe, galaxy formation, and the distribution of dark matter. Clusters can vary in size, shape, and composition, providing valuable insights into cosmic evolution over billions of years.