Galaxy UGC 9799 is located at the very center of Galaxy Cluster Abell 2052. It is classified as a "De;E" or a "cluster dominate, super massive elliptical galaxy" (i.e. like M-87). Type De galaxies are often many times larger than other galaxies and are always found at the center of a galaxy cluster. De galaxies can have over a trillion stars and are surrounded by a host of over a thousand globular star clusters.
UGC 9799 is associated with bright radio source 3C 317 and a bright X-ray source. Its nucleus has a bright line spectra that is a sign that UGC 9799 contains an Active Galactic Nucleus. Astronomers believe that there is a massive black hole that is the "engine" of this activity.
One theory suggests that the most massive galaxy in a cluster gravitates to the center and then cannibalizes any other galaxy that happens to wander into the center. This results in the formation of one or perhaps a pair of De type galaxies in the center of most galaxy clusters. Spiral galaxies that move through the center, but escape being cannibalized, are striped of their gas and emerge as lenticular galaxies. As a result, galaxy clusters often have mostly elliptical and lenticular galaxies at the center and spiral galaxies in their outer parts.
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Classification: Elliptical Galaxy |
Classification: Galaxy Cluster |
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Classification: Elliptical Galaxy |
Classification: Galaxy |
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Classification: Galaxy |
Classification: Galaxy |
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George Normandin, KAS
May 14th, 2001