ABELL CATALOGUE Meaning and
Definition
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The Abell Catalogue is a comprehensive astronomical catalog that documents a vast collection of clusters of galaxies in the universe. It serves as a systematic compilation of individual galaxy clusters, providing key information about their locations, properties, and other relevant characteristics. Named after its creator George O. Abell, the catalog is widely regarded as a valuable tool for astronomers and astrophysicists studying the structure and evolution of the universe.
The Abell Catalogue contains a carefully curated list of over 4,000 galaxy clusters. Each entry in the catalog includes detailed data about the galaxies within the respective cluster, such as their positions, distances, and redshifts. Additionally, it provides vital information about the cluster's size, richness, and other physical properties. This comprehensive compilation of galaxy clusters allows astronomers to investigate the large-scale distribution of matter in the universe, aiding in the identification of patterns and structures.
The Abell Catalogue has greatly contributed to our understanding of cosmic evolution. By studying the properties and distribution of galaxy clusters across different epochs, scientists can investigate the growth and formation of structures in the universe, explore the effects of dark matter and dark energy, and test various cosmological models. The extensive data contained within the Abell Catalogue has been utilized in numerous studies ranging from cosmology to galaxy formation and has provided crucial insights into the fundamental processes shaping the universe.
Etymology of ABELL CATALOGUE
The word "Abell Catalogue" is derived from the name of George O. Abell, an American astronomer who compiled and published the catalog. The catalog, officially known as the "Abell Catalogue of Planetary Nebulae and Clusters of Galaxies", was first published in 1955 and later revised and expanded in 1966. It contains a comprehensive list of planetary nebulae and clusters of galaxies, along with their precise coordinates and other relevant information. George O. Abell's name was attached to the catalog in recognition of his contribution to this important astronomical reference.
