Credit: X-ray (NASA/CXC/CfA/F.Massaro, et al.); Optical (NASA/STScI/C.P.O'Dea); Radio (NSF/VLA/CfA/F.Massaro, et al.)

This composite image of X-ray (red), radio (dark blue), and optical (light blue) data shows activity from the central black hole in 3C305. Unexpectedly, Chandra's X-ray data do not appear to align with radio emission detected by the Very Large Array, but do overlap with the optical emission. Using this information, astronomers believe the X-ray emission is caused either by jets or radiation surrounding the black hole. One of these mechanisms is infusing the interstellar gas with enough energy to cause it to glow in X-ray light.

Provider: Chandra X-ray Observatory

Image Source: http://chandra.harvard.edu/photo/2009/3c305/

Curator: Chandra X-ray Observatory, Cambridge, MA, USA

Image Use Policy: http://chandra.harvard.edu/photo/image_use.html