The Norma Cluster (ACO 3627 or Abell 3627) is a rich cluster of galaxies located near the center of the Great Attractor; it is about 68 Mpc (222 Mly) distant. Although it is both nearby and bright, it is difficult to observe because it is located in the Zone of Avoidance, a region near the plane of the Milky Way. Consequently, the cluster is severely obscured by interstellar dust at optical wavelengths. Its mass is estimated to be on the order of 1015 solar masses.

ESO 137-001, an example of a jellyfish galaxy, is located in Abell 3627.

Gallery

  • ESO 137-001 located in the Norma cluster
  • ESO 137-2 located in the Norma cluster

See also

External links

  • The Norma Cluster on WikiSky: , , , , , , , ,
  • . NASA Image of the Day, January 22, 2010.