Chandra's X-ray image (see #1 above) highlights the energetic central regions of the two interacting galaxies that are collectively called the Whirlpool Galaxy. A large number of point-like X-ray sources due to black holes and neutron stars can be seen. Extending to the north and south of the bright nucleus are clouds of multimilliondegree gas. The similarity of these features with ones observed at radio wavelengths, such as in the Very Large Array image shown here, suggests that the gas is heated by high-velocity jets produced near a supermassive black hole in the nucleus of the galaxy. Scale: Image is 8.8 arcmin across by 11 arcmin. (Credit: NRAO/AUI/NSF)
description
Chandra's X-ray image (see #1 above) highlights the energetic central regions of the two interacting galaxies that are collectively called the Whirlpool Galaxy. A large number of point-like X-ray sources due to black holes and neutron stars can be seen. Extending to the north and south of the bright nucleus are clouds of multimilliondegree gas. The similarity of these features with ones observed at radio wavelengths, such as in the Very Large Array image shown here, suggests that the gas is heated by high-velocity jets produced near a supermassive black hole in the nucleus of the galaxy. Scale: Image is 8.8 arcmin across by 11 arcmin. (Credit: NRAO/AUI/NSF)
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