Hubble pinpoints source of mysterious outburst
The NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope has pinpointed the source of one of the most puzzling blast of high-energy radiation ever observed. It is at the very center of a small, distant galaxy.
The galaxy appears as a bright blob at the centre of the Hubble picture.
Astronomers say it is likely that a supermassive black hole at the core of the galaxy has gravitationally torn apart and swallowed a bypassing star. As the star’s gas falls onto the black hole, X-ray and gamma radiation is ejected along a narrow beam towards Earth.
If confirmed, this would be the first time this phenomenon has been observed.
Credit:NASA, ESA and A. Fruchter (STScI)
About the Image
NASA press release
Id: | ann1108a |
Type: | Observation |
Release date: | 7 April 2011, 15:00 |
Related announcements: | ann1108 |
Size: | 1200 x 900 px |
About the Object
Name: | GRB 110328A |
Type: | Early Universe : Cosmology : Phenomenon : Gamma Ray Burst |
Distance: | 4 billion light years |
Constellation: | Draco |
Category: | Cosmology |
Coordinates
Position (RA): | 16 44 50.02 |
Position (Dec): | 57° 34' 59.32" |
Field of view: | 0.40 x 0.30 arcminutes |
Orientation: | North is 0.2° left of vertical |
Colours & filters
Band | Wavelength | Telescope |
---|---|---|
Optical V | 606 nm |
Hubble Space Telescope
WFC3 |