Image-processed optical photograph of the M87 galaxy, a member of the Virgo cluster, showing the prominent bright \jet\" which extends from its core t

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Image-processed optical photograph of the M87 galaxy, a member of the Virgo cluster, showing the prominent bright \jet\" which extends from its core towards the right of the image. The variation in intensity of colour towards the central core of the galaxy indicates the increased degree of packing of the stars. Calculations have indicated that the central stars (in the black core) are so tightly packed & fast moving that they must be influenced by the gravitational field of a massive black hole."

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Size: 3342px × 2269px
Photo credit: © DR JEAN LORRE/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: 4486, astronomy, black, candidate, cosmology, elliptical, galactic, galaxy, hole, jet, m87, ngc, prominent, science