The “meal” of Centaurus A
Comparison between a visible-light image (left) of Centaurus A, as seen with the FORS2 instrument on the Very Large Telescope (VLT), and a near-infared view (right) obtained with the SOFI instrument on ESO’s New Technology Telescope, at La Silla. Centaurus A (NGC 5128) is the nearest giant, elliptical galaxy, at a distance of about 12 million light-years. Between 200 and 700 million years ago, this galaxy is believed to have consumed a smaller spiral, gas-rich galaxy — the contents of which appear to be churning inside Centaurus A’s core, triggering new generations of star birth. The SOFI image was specially processed to look through the dust, providing a clear view of the centre and revealing a previously unknown ring of stars and clusters. The field of view is about 4 x 4 arcminutes.
Credit:ESO/Y. Beletsky
Over de afbeelding
Id: | eso0944b |
Type: | Observatie |
Publicatiedatum: | 20 november 2009 |
Gerelateerde berichten: | eso0944 |
Grootte: | 3012 x 1551 px |
Over het object
Naam: | Centaurus A |
Type: | Local Universe : Galaxy Local Universe : Galaxy : Component : Central Black Hole |
Afstand: | 13 miljoen lichtjaren |
Categorie: | Galaxies |
Achtergrond
Kleuren & filters
Band | Telescoop |
---|---|
Infrarood J | New Technology Telescope SOFI |
Optisch B | Very Large Telescope FORS2 |
Infrarood H | New Technology Telescope SOFI |
Optisch V | Very Large Telescope FORS2 |
Infrarood K | New Technology Telescope SOFI |
Optisch R | Very Large Telescope FORS2 |