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X-ray sources in M74, Chandra image
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X-ray sources in M74, Chandra image
X-ray sources (red) in the spiral galaxy M74, composite of optical and Chandra X-ray telescope images. The sources are mostly black holes. The largest source, at upper left, is designated an ultraluminous X-ray source (ULX). This unusual source is thought to be a black hole with a mass of around 10, 000 Suns. This lies in between the stellar mass black holes, at around ten solar masses, and the black holes at the centres of galaxies, with millions of solar masses. It is thought that such intermediate mass black holes form from the coalescence of stellar black holes, or are the cores of small galaxies. M74 lies some 32 million light years from Earth in the constellation Pisces. Image R670/195 is a crop centred on the ULX
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2001 Astrophysical Astrophysics Black Hole Galaxy Optical Pisces Spiral Spiralling Star Death Stellar Universe Chandra
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This print showcases the X-ray sources in the mesmerizing spiral galaxy M74. The composite image, created by combining optical and Chandra X-ray telescope images, reveals a stunning array of red-colored sources that are predominantly black holes. Among them, an extraordinary ultraluminous X-ray source (ULX) steals the spotlight at the upper left corner. Scientists believe that this peculiar ULX is actually a black hole with a mass equivalent to around 10,000 Suns. What makes this discovery even more intriguing is its position between two other types of black holes: stellar mass black holes (around ten solar masses) and supermassive black holes found at galactic centers (with millions of solar masses). It is theorized that these intermediate mass black holes may form through either the merging of smaller stellar black holes or as remnants from small galaxies. Situated approximately 32 million light years away from Earth in the constellation Pisces, M74 continues to captivate astronomers with its spiraling beauty and celestial wonders. This remarkable image, designated as R670/195, offers us a closer look at one particular region within M74 where the ULX resides. As we delve into this photograph captured in 2001, it serves as a reminder of our ongoing exploration into astrophysics and our quest to unravel the mysteries surrounding star death, black holes, and their role in shaping our vast universe.
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