Telescopes

NGC 4490 and NGC 4485

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An article accepted for publication in “The Astrophysical Journal” reports evidence that the galaxy NGC 4490 has a double nucleus. A team of researchers led by Allen Lawrence of Iowa State University studied data collected using various telescopes to find traces of two different nuclei in NGC 4490. One of the two nuclei can be seen at optical wavelengths, the other is hidden by dust and can be seen only at infrared and radio wavelengths, capable of passing through those dusts. Lawrence saw the double nucleus about seven years ago when he was an astronomy student even though at the time he was about 70 years old.

The center of the Perseus galaxy cluster (Image courtesy NASA/CXC/IoA/A.Fabian et al.)

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An article published in the journal “Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society” reports the results of the study of molecular gas outflows in twelve massive galaxies at the center of galaxy clusters. A team of researchers analyzed data collected with the ALMA radio telescope to conduct this study finding that the active galactic nuclei (AGNs) of the observed galaxies cause periodic energy outbursts in the form of radiation or as jets of particles that move at speeds close to the speed of light. The energy releases cause gas outflows which can be pushed even beyond the galaxy borders. This mechanism limits the approach of the gas to the central supermassive black hole, decreasing the outbursts in what’s called a feedback. The researchers are especially studying the consequences on star formation and the possibility that a galaxy might become quenching.

Fornax A with its lobes

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An article published in the journal “Astronomy & Astrophysics” reports a study of the galaxy known as Fornax A or as NGC 1316. A team of researchers led by Filippo Maccagni of the Italian National Institute of Astrophysics, Cagliari, used data collected by five different telescopes to find evidence of repeated nuclear activity that formed what were called radio lobes, gigantic plasma halos invisible at optical frequencies but bright at radio frequencies. For this reason, the MeerKat radio telescope was crucial in obtaining the best observations ever obtained by Fornax A.

The Spitzer space telescope being prepared (Photo NASA)

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NASA’s Spitzer space telescope ended its mission with its final shutdown, which happened when in the USA it was afternoon. Launched on August 15, 2003, it’s been an instrument crucial for infrared astronomy in studies of various kinds ranging from those of solar system’s objects to those of distant galaxies passing through those of exoplanets.

The Tarantula Nebula (Image NASA/JPL-Caltech)

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NASA has published a new image of the Tarantula Nebula, a region of the Large Magellanic Cloud, one of the Milky Way’s satellite dwarf galaxies. The image combines data from multiple observations conducted with the Spitzer space telescope, whose activity is about to cease. The Tarantula Nebula was one of the first targets studied with this instrument in 2003, after it was put into orbit, and demonstrated its capabilities. Once again, Spitzer offers a view of the structures existing in that area and above all of the many star formation processes taking place.