The energetic jet in Messier 87

Messier 87 (NGC 4486) is a giant elliptical galaxy that harbours an active nucleus in its centre. The central black hole is fed by a small gas disk, and it powers a highly collimated, energetic jet that penetrates the inner part of the galaxy.

As a typical elliptical galaxy, it primarily contains old, fairly cold stars - they cause the reddish colour of the galaxy in this colour image. The powerful jet, however, is extremely energetic and emits much of its energy in the blue and ultraviolet parts of the spectrum. The jet, therefore, appears bright blue in comparison.

This image is a colour composite of three images taken in ultraviolet, blue, and visible light (U, B and V filtres) during the night of May 25 - 26, 1998. In reality, the bright blue colour of the jet corresponds to ultraviolet radiation.

The atmospheric conditions were less than optimal during this exposure.

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ESO

Om bilden

ID:eso9820g
Typ:Observation
Publiceringsdatum:27 maj 1998
Relaterade pressmeddelanden:eso9820
Storlek:1659 x 1083 px

Om objektet

Namn:Messier 87, NGC 4485
Typ:Local Universe : Galaxy : Type : Elliptical
Avstånd:30 miljon ljusår
Kategori:Galaxies

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Färger och filter

BandTeleskop
Synligt ljus
V
Very Large Telescope
Synligt ljus
B
Very Large Telescope
Ultraviolett
U
Very Large Telescope