The Center of NGC 6251 is Glowing
Explanation:
Something is lighting up the center of galaxy NGC 6251.
Leading speculation holds that it is a large
black hole
not shrouded by gas and
dust typically found near the
center of a galaxy.
Observations taken with the
Hubble Space Telescope
and
released earlier this week indicate a new perspective on the
strange beasts
that rule the centers of galaxies:
a bright central object that is illuminating a
surrounding material disk, shown in blue.
The lack of reflection from the upper part of the disk indicates
that this disk is warped in shape. Although not visible in the
above composite image, a
huge plasma jet streams out
from the central object,
perpendicular to the warped disk.
Authors & editors:
Robert Nemiroff
(MTU) &
Jerry Bonnell
(USRA)
NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings,
and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris.
Specific
rights apply.
A service of:
LHEA at
NASA /
GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
