What is the difference between the left and right pictures of a Quasar Core?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the differences between two images of a Quasar Core, specifically focusing on the visual representation and the terminology used to describe quasars and their components. Participants explore the implications of imaging techniques and the definitions of terms like "quasar" and "core." The scope includes conceptual clarifications and technical explanations related to astrophysics.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question the difference between the left and right images of the Quasar Core, wondering if the light from the center was blocked to reveal surrounding material.
  • There is a suggestion that the term "quasar" may refer to the entire young active galactic nucleus (AGN), while "core" could specifically denote the black hole at the center.
  • One participant confirms that the right image uses a coronagraph to block central light, allowing for better resolution of the surrounding region.
  • Another participant expresses uncertainty about imaging beyond the intense radiation of a quasar, indicating a potential misunderstanding of the terminology and concepts involved.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the definitions of "quasar" and "core," and there is no consensus on the implications of the images or the terminology used. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the precise meanings and relationships between these terms.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully clarified their assumptions about the definitions of quasars and their components, nor have they resolved the implications of imaging techniques used in the context of quasars.

Drakkith
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So I was looking some stuff up on Quasars on Wikipedia and noticed this picture.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/ab/2003-03-b-web.jpg

It says that this is a Quasar Core. What exactly is the difference between the left and right pictures here? Did they block out the light from the center to show the material around it?
 
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Drakkith said:
So I was looking some stuff up on Quasars on Wikipedia and noticed this picture.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/ab/2003-03-b-web.jpg

It says that this is a Quasar Core. What exactly is the difference between the left and right pictures here? Did they block out the light from the center to show the material around it?

What is a Quasar "core" anyway? It's a very young AGN, so isn't the Quaser already the core, and imaging beyond the intense radiation strikes me as impossible. Maybe I'm missing the point... is the Quasar the entire young galaxy, and the AGN is the 'core'?
 
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Drakkith said:
It says that this is a Quasar Core. What exactly is the difference between the left and right pictures here? Did they block out the light from the center to show the material around it?
Yes, the right image is using a 'http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coronagraph" ' to block out the central light---allowing the surrounding region to be seen and better resolved.
 
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Misericorde said:
What is a Quasar "core" anyway? It's a very young AGN, so isn't the Quaser already the core, and imaging beyond the intense radiation strikes me as impossible. Maybe I'm missing the point... is the Quasar the entire young galaxy, and the AGN is the 'core'?

I think the term quasar encompasses the whole accretion disk and everything inside it, while "core" would probably just be the black hole itself.

zhermes said:
Yes, the right image is using a 'http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coronagraph" ' to block out the central light---allowing the surrounding region to be seen and better resolved.

Ah, ok. Thanks!
 
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Drakkith said:
I think the term quasar encompasses the whole accretion disk and everything inside it, while "core" would probably just be the black hole itself.



Ah, ok. Thanks!

That makes sense, thanks Drakkith.
 

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