NGC 5128 Centaurus A - peculiar galaxy in Centaurus [Robotic, AUS] [Explored]

This is thought to be a merger between an old large elliptical galaxy and a smaller, younger dusty spiral galaxy.

Measurements of star velocities in the two components give very different values consistent with different origins.

 

In addition, you can just see in this image, a fuzzy bright edge at the upper right hand edge of the upper dust channel. These are clusters of bright blue young stars consistent with recent “starburst” activity as cold molecular gas is compressed by the gravitational tidal forces of the merger.

 

The Centaurus “A” designation means this is a strong radio source- two enormous jets spew out particles at relativistic speeds from an active galactic nucleus centred on a supermassive black hole (visible in radio and UV). As the jets, impinge on the intergalactic medium of dust and gas, radio emission occurs.

 

This image is an integration of 20x5 subs taken on iTelescope T63 in Bathurst, Australia.

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