Star ejected from the Large Magellanic Cloud (artist''s view)

Using ESO's Very Large Telescope, astronomers have recorded a massive star moving at more than 2.6 million kilometres per hour. Stars are not born with such large velocities. Its position in the sky leads to the suggestion that the star was kicked out from the Large Magellanic Cloud, providing indirect evidence for a massive black hole in the Milky Way's closest neighbour.

Credit:

ESO

About the Image

Id:eso0536a
Type:Observation
Release date:9 November 2005
Related releases:eso0536
Size:2191 x 2461 px

About the Object

Name:HE 0437-5439
Type:Milky Way : Star : Type : Blue Straggler
Distance:200000 light years
Category:Stars

Image Formats

Large JPEG
2.4 MB
Screensize JPEG
601.5 KB

Wallpapers

1024x768
482.8 KB
1280x1024
742.3 KB
1600x1200
985.9 KB
1920x1200
1.1 MB
2048x1536
1.4 MB

Colours & filters

BandTelescope
Optical
B
Very Large Telescope
FORS2
Optical
V
Very Large Telescope
FORS2
Optical
R
Very Large Telescope
FORS2