Closer to the Monster - supermassive black hole

AI Thread Summary
Recent observations of the nucleus of NGC1068 (M77) reveal a structure of warm dust measuring 11 light-years across and 7 light-years thick, with a hotter inner zone reaching 500°C and spanning 2 light-years. This marks the sharpest imaging of a supermassive black hole's vicinity in an active galactic nucleus (AGN), surpassing previous Hubble observations. The findings enhance understanding of the dynamics and environment surrounding supermassive black holes. The data underscores the significance of advanced observational techniques in astrophysics. These insights contribute to ongoing research into the behavior of matter near supermassive black holes.
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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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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