​Meet one of the most energetic objects in the Universe
ESO’s VLT has captured a magnificent face-on view​ of the barred spiral galaxy Messier 77.
This tranquil image reveals the galaxy’s glittering arms, criss-crossed with dust lanes...
... but conceals M77’s turbulent nature​.
M77 is one of the closest active galaxies​.
Active galaxies are some of the most energetic and spectacular​ objects in the Universe.
They are powered by a supermassive black hole​ that radiates energy as it feeds on surrounding material.
So there is far more to M77​ than meets the eye...
Transcribed by ESO, translated by —