The green bean galaxy J2240

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This view from the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope shows thousands of galaxies in the distant Universe. But the one close to the centre looks very odd — it is bright green. This very unusual object is known as J224024.1−092748 or J2240 and it is a bright example of a new class of objects that have been nicknamed green bean galaxies. Green beans are entire galaxies that are glowing under the intense radiation from the region around a central black hole. J2240 lies in the constellation of Aquarius (The Water Bearer) and its light has taken about 3.7 billion years to reach Earth.

Credit:

CFHT/ESO/M. Schirmer

Usage of ESO Images and Videos

About the Image

Id:	eso1249a
Type:	Observation
Release date:	5 December 2012, 12:00
Related releases:	eso1249
Size:	1916 x 1916 px

About the Object

Name:	Green Bean Galaxy, J2240, J224024.1−092748
Type:	• Early Universe : Galaxy : Activity : AGN • X - Galaxies
Distance:	z=0.326 (redshift)

Coordinates

Position (RA):	22h 41m 40.40s
Position (Dec):	-9° 29' 53.00"
Field of view:	5.94 x 5.94 arcminutes
Orientation:	North is 0.0° left of vertical