Galaxy Zoo: an unusual new class of galaxy cluster

TL;DR

This paper reports the discovery of a rare new class of galaxy clusters identified through visual inspection of galaxy morphology, revealing unusual properties with implications for cosmology.

Contribution

It introduces a novel class of galaxy clusters identified via Galaxy Zoo, highlighting the importance of visual morphology analysis in astrophysical discoveries.

Findings

Identification of a new rare galaxy cluster class

Clusters exhibit unusual morphological properties

Discussion of formation scenarios and cosmological implications

Abstract

We have identified a new class of galaxy cluster using data from the Galaxy Zoo project. These clusters are rare, and thus have apparently gone unnoticed before, despite their unusual properties. They appear especially anomalous when the morphological properties of their component galaxies are considered. Their identification therefore depends upon the visual inspection of large numbers of galaxies, a feat which has only recently been made possible by Galaxy Zoo, together with the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. We present the basic properties of our cluster sample, and discuss possible formation scenarios and implications for cosmology.