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Dust in centre of galaxy NGC 4261

Dust in centre of galaxy NGC 4261


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Dust in centre of galaxy NGC 4261

Black hole in the core of a galaxy. Hubble Space Telescope (HST) image of a disc of dust and gas circling a black hole in the galaxy NGC 4261. The dust disc is the dark oval shape at centre, and is about 800 light years across. This has a faint spiral form shown by slightly brighter arms within the disc. Spectroscopic measurements reveal that the dust and gas is swirling around a very massive core. The object, about 1.2 billion times the mass of our Sun, is a black hole. This feature was first discovered by the HST in 1992, but can now be studied in more detail following the HST servicing mission of 1994

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Media ID 6443089

© NASA/ESA/STSCI/F.FERRARESE, JHU/ SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Active Black Hole Core Cosmology Disc Dust Galactic Galaxy Hst Post Repair


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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the mesmerizing beauty and complexity of the universe. Taken by the Hubble Space Telescope, it unveils a remarkable sight at the heart of galaxy NGC 4261 – a black hole surrounded by a swirling disc of dust and gas. The dark oval shape at the center represents this vast dust disc, stretching across an astonishing distance of approximately 800 light years. Upon closer inspection, one can discern faint spiral arms within the disc, hinting at its intricate structure. Spectroscopic measurements have revealed that this cosmic dance is orchestrated by an immensely massive core, weighing in at around 1.2 billion times the mass of our Sun – confirming its true nature as a black hole. The discovery of this enigmatic feature dates back to 1992 when it was first detected by HST. However, thanks to a servicing mission in 1994 that repaired and enhanced HST's capabilities, scientists now have an unprecedented opportunity to study this galactic phenomenon with greater precision. As we gaze upon this awe-inspiring image, we are reminded of both our insignificance in comparison to these celestial wonders and our insatiable thirst for knowledge about the mysteries they hold. It serves as a testament to human ingenuity and curiosity as we continue to push boundaries in understanding the cosmos that surrounds us.

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