Active galaxy Markarian 509
This image from the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope shows the galaxy Markarian 509. The bright object at the centre of the galaxy, which appears like a star, is an active galactic nucleus. This is a bright celestial phenomenon caused by matter glowing as it falls into a supermassive black hole at the heart of the galaxy.
The surroundings of the black hole in Markarian 509 have been studied in a major campaign which includes the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope, as well as other telescopes in space and on the ground.
NASA, ESA, J. Kriss (STScI) and J. de Plaa (SRON)
About the Image
| Id: | ann1121a |
|---|---|
| Type: | Observation |
| Release date: | 29 September 2011, 14:10 |
| Related announcements: | ann1121 |
| Size: | 1500 x 1500 px |
About the Object
| Name: | Mrk 509 |
|---|---|
| Type: | Local Universe : Galaxy : Activity : AGN : Seyfert |
| Distance: | 500 million light years |
| Constellation: | Aquarius |
| Category: | Galaxies |
Coordinates
| Position (RA): | 20 44 9.73 |
|---|---|
| Position (Dec): | -10° 43' 24.17" |
| Field of view: | 0.17 x 0.17 arcminutes |
| Orientation: | North is 56.6° left of vertical |
View in ESASky:
View in WorldWide Telescope:
Colours & filters
| Band | Wavelength | Telescope |
|---|---|---|
| Optical y | 547 nm |
Hubble Space Telescope
WFPC2 |