The inner part of an active galactic Nucleus (artist's impression)

Artist's impression of an active galaxy that has jets. The central engine is thought to be a supermassive black hole surrounded by an accretion disc and enshrouded in a dusty doughnut-shaped torus. The torus of dust and gas can be seen orbiting a flatter disc of swirling gas. In the centre, the supermassive black hole is surrounded by a flat accretion disc of rapidly orbiting material. The jets are emitted at right angles from the plane of the disc. Courtesy Aurore Simonnet, Sonoma State University.

Credit:

ESO

About the Image

Id:eso0319a
Type:Artwork
Release date:19 June 2003
Related releases:eso0319
Size:782 x 781 px

About the Object

Name:Galaxy
Type:Unspecified : Galaxy : Activity : AGN
Category:Galaxies
Illustrations

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