Elliptical galaxy M87- Inner region and jet


The bright elliptical radio galaxy Messier 87 (NGC 4486), at the center of the Virgo Cluster, is perhaps best known for the synchrotron jet seen here. This image, taken in red light using a TI CCD at the Kitt Peak 2.1m telescope, is stretched to emphasize the bright regions and the jet. The jet has been shown in exquisite detail in a Hubble Heritage picture.

M87 is also one of the strongest cases for supermassive black holes in galactic nuclei, as shown by dynamical measurements of gas near the core.


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