ISAAC spectrum of the central region of NGC 1808

This image is a reproduction of a long-slit ISAAC spectrum of the central region of the active galaxy NGC 1808. It is in the 2.3 µm spectral region and the wavelength increases towards right. Several strong, vertical bands are seen; they are caused by CO-molecules in the atmospheres of the stars in this area. The bright band at the centre corresponds to the nucleus of the galaxy within which the central black hole is located. The characteristic S-shape is a result of the rotation of the stars around this centre, due to the Doppler effect.

Technical information: this image shows a raw, long-slit IR-spectrum in the 2.3 µm wavelength region, obtained with ISAAC along the major axis of this galaxy.

Credit:

ESO

About the Image

Id:eso0128e
Type:Observation
Release date:14 August 2001
Related releases:eso0128
Size:800 x 627 px

About the Object

Name:NGC 1808, Spectrum
Type:Local Universe : Galaxy : Type : Spiral
Distance:40 million light years
Category:Galaxies

Image Formats

Large JPEG
122.8 KB
Screensize JPEG
140.6 KB

Wallpapers

1024x768
168.1 KB
1280x1024
231.7 KB
1600x1200
293.2 KB
1920x1200
313.9 KB
2048x1536
398.1 KB

Colours & filters

BandWavelengthTelescope
Infrared
Near-IR
2.3 μmVery Large Telescope
ISAAC