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 |
Colours & filters
Band | Wavelength | Telescope |
---|---|---|
Optical y | 547 nm |
Hubble Space Telescope
WFPC2 |