Quasar HE 1013-2136 with tidal tails

This photograph shows an image of the Quasar HE 1013-2136 (center) and its surroundings sharpened with a computer algorithm to bring out more details in the immediate neighbourhood of the quasar. Now numerous details can be recognized within the two tidal tails, including various knotty structures. In particular, a very close companion galaxy at 20,000 light-years projected distance to the quasar can now be seen (at the 5 o''clock position) that may be in gravitational interaction with the quasar host galaxy. Quasar activity is believed to be triggered by such dramatic events.

Technical information: this image has been processed by applying the Lucy algorithm with 15 iterations. The field shown measures 33 x 33 arcsec 2, or 540,000 x 540,000 light-years 2 projected at the distance of the quasar; 1 pixel = 0.2 arcsec. North is up and East is left.

Credit:

ESO

About the Image

Id:eso0122b
Type:Observation
Release date:31 May 2001
Related releases:eso0122
Size:780 x 779 px

About the Object

Name:HE 1013-2136
Type:Early Universe : Galaxy : Activity : AGN : Quasar
Distance:z=0.785 (redshift)
Constellation:Hydra
Category:Quasars and Black Holes

Image Formats

Large JPEG
184.7 KB
Screensize JPEG
197.7 KB

Wallpapers

1024x768
205.8 KB
1280x1024
286.8 KB
1600x1200
350.3 KB
1920x1200
374.4 KB
2048x1536
476.9 KB

Coordinates

Position (RA):10 15 52.42
Position (Dec):-21° 51' 56.32"
Field of view:0.63 x 0.63 arcminutes
Orientation:North is 18.2° right of vertical

Colours & filters

BandWavelengthTelescope
Infrared
I
768 nmVery Large Telescope
FORS2

Notes: The is a version of the image eso0122a, which has been further sharpened by means of image processing software (the Lucy algorithm).