Closer to the Monster - supermassive black hole

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SUMMARY

The European Southern Observatory (ESO) has released groundbreaking observations of the nucleus of NGC 1068 (M77), revealing a configuration of warm dust at approximately 50°C, spanning 11 light-years across and 7 light-years thick. An inner zone of hotter dust, reaching temperatures of 500°C, measures about 2 light-years wide. These observations represent the sharpest imaging of the region surrounding a supermassive black hole in an active galactic nucleus (AGN) to date, surpassing previous capabilities of the Hubble Space Telescope.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of active galactic nuclei (AGN)
  • Familiarity with supermassive black holes
  • Knowledge of astronomical observation techniques
  • Basic concepts of infrared astronomy
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the latest advancements in infrared imaging technology
  • Explore the characteristics and behavior of supermassive black holes
  • Study the structure and composition of active galactic nuclei
  • Learn about the observational capabilities of the Hubble Space Telescope compared to ground-based observatories
USEFUL FOR

Astronomers, astrophysicists, and students interested in the study of supermassive black holes and active galactic nuclei will benefit from this discussion.

Nereid
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The ESO today http://www.eso.org/outreach/press-rel/pr-2004/pr-10-04.html results of observations made of the nucleus of NGC1068 (also known as M77).

"They show a configuration of comparatively warm dust (about 50°C) measuring 11 light-years across and 7 light-years thick, with an inner, hotter zone (500°C), about 2 light-years wide."

This is sharpest observation of the region around a supermassive black hole in an AGN galaxy to date, sharper than Hubble!
 
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Astronomy news on Phys.org
Nereid, the link does not link?
 
Oops! :redface:

Try http://www.eso.org/outreach/press-rel/pr-2004/pr-10-04.html
 
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