Why is determining the exact physical extent of the Virgo Cluster complex complex?

Answer

It is an aggregate of interacting subclumps, not a settled system.

The complexity in defining the physical size of the Virgo Cluster stems from its highly dynamic and unsettled nature. It is not a singular, relaxed, spherical system but rather an irregular aggregate composed of several distinct subclumps—such as Virgo A, B, and C—that are currently interacting, merging, and collapsing together. Because these components are still actively merging, the cluster is described as being dynamically young and still in the process of formation. This ongoing merger activity results in widely varying estimates for its overall diameter, ranging from 15 million light-years cited by some sources up to nearly 26 million light-years based on other mass estimations.

Why is determining the exact physical extent of the Virgo Cluster complex complex?

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