The Fath is a small cluster of galaxies, near
the center of the larger cluster Abell 262. Located in the
Andromeda constellation, it is at a distance of about 260
million light-years and includes NGC 703-710. The elliptical
galaxy, NGC 708, dominates the cluster. Using the red shift data
one can calculate a rough distance estimate for The Fath of
about 260 million light years.
NGC 708 is classified as a 'cluster dominant' Elliptical Galaxy,
(M-87 type). These galaxies are several times larger and more
massive than any other galaxy. One, or sometimes a pair, of
these giants often occupies the very center of a galaxy cluster.
Like many others of its type, NGC 708 has a central dust ring
and a Seyfert Type II Active Galactic Nucleus (AGN). Astronomers
believe that AGNs result from a super massive black hole at the
center of a galaxy devouring stars, gas, and dust. One theory
suggests that "cluster dominant" ellipticals are the result of
the merging of a number of galaxies. Any galaxy now unlucky
enough to wander into the central regions of the galaxy cluster
will be "cannibalized" by this giant elliptical at the center.
