Uploaded November 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
scitechdaily.com/this-strange-spiral-galaxy-is-hiding-a-massive-black-hole
What lies at the heart of this unusual-looking spiral galaxy? The galaxy NGC 4102, featured in this ESA/Hubble Picture of the Week, is home to what astronomers call an active galactic nucleus. Active galactic nuclei are luminous galactic centres powered by supermassive black holes that contain millions to billion times the mass of our Sun. As these black holes ensnare gas from their surroundings and draw it close with their intense gravitational pull, the gas becomes so hot that it begins to glow and emits light from X-ray to radio wavelengths.
Credit: ESA/Hubble & NASA, G. Fabbiano, N. Bartmann (ESA/Hubble)
Music: Stellardrone - Endeavour
scitechdaily.com/this-strange-spiral-galaxy-is-hiding-a-massive-black-hole
What lies at the heart of this unusual-looking spiral galaxy? The galaxy NGC 4102, featured in this ESA/Hubble Picture of the Week, is home to what astronomers call an active galactic nucleus. Active galactic nuclei are luminous galactic centres powered by supermassive black holes that contain millions to billion times the mass of our Sun. As these black holes ensnare gas from their surroundings and draw it close with their intense gravitational pull, the gas becomes so hot that it begins to glow and emits light from X-ray to radio wavelengths.
Credit: ESA/Hubble & NASA, G. Fabbiano, N. Bartmann (ESA/Hubble)
Music: Stellardrone - Endeavour
