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Credit & Copyright: X-ray:
H. Marshall (MIT), et al.,
CXC,
NASA
Radio: F. Zhou, F. Owen (NRAO), J. Biretta (STScI)
Optical: E. Perlman (UMBC), et al., STScI, NASA
Explanation:
An
energetic jet from the core of
giant elliptical galaxy M87 stretches outward for 5,000 light-years.
This monstrous jet
appears
in the panels above
to be a knotted and irregular structure, dectected
across the spectrum, from
x-ray to optical to
radio wavelengths.
In all these bands,
the observed emission is likely created as high energy
electrons spiral along magnetic field lines, so called
synchrotron radiation.
But what powers this cosmic blowtorch?
Ultimately, the jet is thought to be produced
as matter near the center of M87
swirls toward a spinning, supermassive black hole.
Strong electromagnetic forces are generated and eject material
away from
the black hole along
the axis of rotation in a narrow jet.
Galaxy M87
is about 50 million light-years away and reigns as
the large central elliptical galaxy in the
Virgo
cluster.
Radio: F. Zhou, F. Owen (NRAO), J. Biretta (STScI)
Optical: E. Perlman (UMBC), et al., STScI, NASA
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NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris. Specific rights apply.
A service of: LHEA at NASA / GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
Based on Astronomy Picture
Of the Day
Publications with keywords: optical - radio - jet - M 87 - black hole
Publications with words: optical - radio - jet - M 87 - black hole
See also:
- APOD: 2024 April 1 Á Swirling Magnetic Field around Our Galaxys Central Black Hole
- UHZ1: Distant Galaxy and Black Hole
- APOD: 2023 September 19 Á HH 211: Jets from a Forming Star
- The Galaxy, the Jet, and a Famous Black Hole
- Stars, Dust, Pillars, and Jets in the Pelican Nebula
- Two Black Holes Dancing in 3C 75
- The Milky Way s Black Hole