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.

Credit:

ESO

About the Image

Id:eso9820g
Type:Observation
Release date:27 May 1998
Related releases:eso9820
Size:1659 x 1083 px

About the Object

Name:Messier 87, NGC 4485
Type:Local Universe : Galaxy : Type : Elliptical
Distance:30 million light years
Category:Galaxies

Image Formats

Large JPEG
676.2 KB
Screensize JPEG
229.2 KB

Wallpapers

1024x768
393.1 KB
1280x1024
580.8 KB
1600x1200
760.8 KB
1920x1200
857.1 KB
2048x1536
1.0 MB

Colours & filters

BandTelescope
Optical
V
Very Large Telescope
Optical
B
Very Large Telescope
Ultraviolet
U
Very Large Telescope