What's the matter with the Bullet Cluster?
This massive cluster of galaxies (1E 0657-558) creates gravitational lens distortions of background galaxies in a way that has been interpreted as strong evidence for the leading theory: that dark matter exists within.
Different analyses, though, indicate that a less popular alternative -- modifying gravity-- could explain cluster dynamics without dark matter, and provide a more likely progenitor scenario as well.
Currently, the two scientific hypotheses are competing to explain the observations: it's invisible matter versus amended gravity.
The duel is dramatic as a clear Bullet-proof example of dark matter would shatter the simplicity of modified gravity theories.
The featured sonified image is a Hubble/Chandra/Magellan composite with red depicting the X-rays emitted by hot gas, and blue depicting the suggested separated dark matter distribution.
The sonification assigns low tones to dark matter, mid-range frequencies to visible light, and high tones to X-rays.
The battle over the matter in the Bullet cluster is likely to continue as more observations, computer simulations, and analyses are completed.
Media Credits & Attribution
** Image Credit: ** X-ray: NASA/CXC/SAO; Optical: NASA/STScI, Magellan/U.Arizona; Lensing Map: NASA/STScI, ESO WFI, Magellan/U.Arizona; Sonification: NASA/CXC/SAO/K.Arcand, SYSTEM Sounds (M. Russo, A. Santaguida)