The galaxy known as Centaurus A, or NGC 5128, is the closest active galaxy to Earth. It is located only 12 million light-years (a light-year is the distance light travels in one year, approximately 9 trillion 460 billion kilometers) away from our galaxy. Centaurus A was formed by the collision of two galaxies. As a result, a dark dust band occupies the center, while stars and gas spread outward. The center also exhibits unique characteristics due to a strong flow of particles (jet) emanating from a supermassive black hole. The author observed the center of Centaurus A for 310 hours over a period of 10 years at an observatory in Auckland, New Zealand. This image was created by combining all photos taken to date. Various wavelengths, from radio to gamma rays, blend together, resembling a lollipop.
입력 2024.12.11. 17:22
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