Page 1, Active Galaxies: [Next Page] [Class Home Page] Chapter 17

An entire new area of astronomy was discovered, starting in the 1950s.. First with the discovery of exceedingly bright Radio Galaxies. (this was about the time radio astronomy was first introduced). These curious objects showed powerful radio emission.

The radio emission from these galaxies is similar in nature to the radio emission seen from Pulsars: it comes from high speed electrons which act as radio transmitters. However, the SCALE over which the material and electrons is accelerated is enormous!



The structure seen in this jet extends a million light years in length, and it is driven from a central point that is only a few light years in size!!

Core of an Active Galaxy