Science

Cosmic Wonder: Hubble Unveils the Hidden Heart of an Active Galactic Center

2025-06-30

Author: Charlotte

Prepare to be amazed! The Hubble Space Telescope has captured a breathtaking image of the spiral galaxy UGC 11397, located a staggering 250 million light-years away in the constellation Lyra.

At first glance, UGC 11397 may seem like just another typical spiral galaxy, adorned with elegant spiral arms glowing with starlight and surrounded by dark, swirling clouds of cosmic dust. But look a little closer, and you’ll discover the extraordinary secret hiding at its core!

This galaxy harbors a supermassive black hole that boasts a mind-blowing mass—174 million times that of our sun! As this monstrous black hole feeds on gas, dust, and even entire stars, it creates an exhilarating cosmic spectacle. The matter spiraling into the black hole heats up, unleashing a dazzling display of light that spans from gamma rays to radio waves.

But here's the kicker: much of the action is obscured from our view by thick clouds of dust. Yet, thanks to Hubble's advanced technology, astronomers have detected the intense X-ray emissions from this actively growing black hole, cutting through the obscuring dust like a beacon of light.

As a result, UGC 11397 has earned its title as a Type 2 Seyfert galaxy—a remarkable classification for such lively galaxies that are cloaked in a donut-shaped veil of gas and dust. This discovery not only showcases the breathtaking complexity of our universe but also reinforces the incredible capabilities of space telescopes like Hubble.

As we delve deeper into the cosmos, UGC 11397 reminds us of the wonders that lie beyond our reach and the mysteries still waiting to be unraveled!