Accretion disk around galaxy NGC 4261

AI Thread Summary
The accretion disk surrounding galaxy NGC 4261 features a cold outer region transitioning to an ultra-hot inner disk near the suspected black hole. The dark, dusty material in the outer disk is expected to heat up and emit bright radiation in the UV and X-ray spectrum due to the high temperatures. However, images taken at visible wavelengths do not capture this brightness, as dust radiates at the frequency of the light it absorbs. Thus, the lack of brightness in visible images is consistent with the properties of dust. The discussion highlights the relationship between temperature, dust, and radiation in astrophysical contexts.
JeffOCA
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Hello,

When you look at the accretion disk around NGC 4261 (see here), you can read that the dark, dusty disk represents a cold outer region which extends inwards to an ultra-hot accretion disk with a few hundred million miles from the suspected black hole.
So, from the outside, you have successively a bright ring, then a dark dusty ring and "an ultra-hot accretion disk" very close to the center black hole itself.

My question : due to the ultra-hot temperature in the accretion disk, the dark material (dust) is extremely heated and, so, should radiate in a very bright way (UV and/or X-rays). Why not ?

Regards
JF
 
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Ok, the picture link I posted is taken at visible wavelengths that why dust material is not bright. Am I right ?

Regards
JF
 
Yes. Dust tends to radiate at the frequency of light it receives.
 
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