Centaurus A
(Image and Text Credit: NASA/CXC/SAO)
The Chandra X-ray image of Centaurus A shows a bright source in the nucleus of the
galaxy, which is thought to be due to a supermassive black hole. The main jet extending to the
upper left far outside the galaxy, is caused by explosive activity around the black hole. A smaller
"counter jet" extending to the lower right can also be seen. The faint arc on the lower right is
thought to represent a shock wave produced by energetic particles expanding away from the
nucleus. Numerous point-like sources of X rays are also apparent. These are probably due to
neutron stars or black holes that are accreting matter from nearby companion stars.
Chandra X-ray Observatory
Click here for
jpg version
|
|
Additions or Comments:
Have we left anything out? Is there something you would like to have added
to this page (a link to your own group's research page, for example...)?
|
IMAGES |
By Mission |
Stars |
Cataclysmic Variables |
X-ray Binaries |
Pulsars |
Supernova Remnants & Planetary Nebulae |
Galaxies |
Active Galactic Nuclei |
Clusters and Groups of Galaxies |
X-ray/gamma-ray Background & Deep Fields |
Solar System Objects |
Gamma Ray Bursts
HEASARC Home |
Observatories |
Archive |
Calibration |
Software |
Tools |
Students/Teachers/Public
Last modified: Thursday, 26-Jun-2003 13:48:46 EDT
| 
