In a recent publication, a team of astronomers from Harvard’s Chandra X-ray Observatory, A detailed view of the bright galaxy Centaurus A (Cen A). Thanks to a study of the polarization of X-ray light from the galaxy, the researchers were able to gain more information about this region of the universe.
Cen A began to be studied extensively, beginning in 1999, when the Chandra Space Telescope mission was launched. But data from the United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) in 2021 allowed scientists to probe more details of the galaxy.
“This composite image shows a large galaxy with a bright, glowing core surrounded by a ring of gas and dust. This prominent galaxy, Centaurus A, is set against a dark background dotted with distant galaxies and stars.” .
Using different data obtained by the optical light sensor from Chandra, IXPE and the European Southern Observatory ground observatory in Chile, astronomers were able to capture a spectacular view of Centaurus A. The galaxy is 12 million light years from Earth.In the constellation Centaurus.
in the image blue portions reconstructed with data from the Chandra X-ray Observatory; orange color indicates IXPE data; in white and gray you can see the details captured by the European Southern Observatory.
Centaurus A has a bright pale yellow circle in its center. White and pale pink light emanating from this core illuminates the dark ring of gas and dust that surrounds it. The dark, veined ring known as the dust band is depicted sideways bent at an angle, lower to our left and higher to our right.
Learn more about the work of Centaurus A
With information from data from different observatories, astronomers are trying to understand the cause of the emission of x-rays detected in large particle jets ejected from Cen A. They found that there was no polarization of x-rays in Cen A.and this means that the radiation form is not produced by particles heavier than electrons such as protons.
Either way, scientists will continue to study Centaurus A to learn more about one of the brightest galaxies in the universe.
Source: Tec Mundo
I’m Blaine Morgan, an experienced journalist and writer with over 8 years of experience in the tech industry. My expertise lies in writing about technology news and trends, covering everything from cutting-edge gadgets to emerging software developments. I’ve written for several leading publications including Gadget Onus where I am an author.
