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Credit: N. E. Kassim, D. S. Briggs,
T. J. W. Lazio, T. N. LaRosa, J. Imamura
(NRL/RSD)
Explanation:
Tuning in to the center of our Milky Way galaxy, radio astronomers
explore a complex, mysterious place.
A premier high resolution view,
this startlingly beautiful picture
covers a 4x4 degree region around the galactic center.
It was constructed from 1 meter wavelength radio data
obtained by telescopes of the
Very Large Array near
Socorro, New Mexico, USA.
The galactic center
itself is at the edge of the extremely
bright object labeled Sagittarius (Sgr) A, suspected of harboring
a million solar mass black hole.
Along the galactic plane which runs diagonally
through the image are tortured clouds of gas energized by
hot stars and round-shaped supernova remnants (SNRs)
- hallmarks of
a violent and
energetic cosmic environment.
But perhaps most intriguing are
the
arcs, threads, and filaments which
abound in the scene.
Their uncertain origins challenge
present theories of the dynamics of the galactic center.
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NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris. Specific rights apply.
A service of: LHEA at NASA / GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
Based on Astronomy Picture
Of the Day
Publications with keywords: radio - Galactic Center - Milky Way
Publications with words: radio - Galactic Center - Milky Way
See also: