Shock waves through the cosmos

CHANDRA X-RAY OBSERVATORY, LOFAR, SLOAN DIGITAL SKY SURVEY, 15 NOVEMBER 2018

Data from three telescopes combined to produce this image, showing collision on a grand scale. Abell 1033 is an object consisting of two galaxy clusters smashing into one another. Shock waves from the crash are colliding with jets of particles, seen here in blue, that are being ejected by a supermassive black hole at close to the speed of light. Studies suggest electrons in the jet on the left have been reenergised by the shock waves rippling through them.