Astronomy Picture of the Day

Explanation: The central region of our Milky Way Galaxy is a mysterious and complex place. Pictured here in radio and infrared light, the galaxy's central square degree is highlighted in fine detail. The region is known as the Central Molecular Zone. While much of the extended emission is due to dense gas laced with molecules, also seen are emission nebulas lit up by massive young stars, glowing supernova remnants, and the curving Galactic Center Radio Arc in purple. The identity and root cause for many other features remains unknown. Besides a massive black hole named Sgr A*, the Galactic Center houses the galaxy's most active star forming region. This image is not just interesting scientifically. It's esthetic beauty won first prize this year in the AUI/NRAO Image Contest.

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Authors & editors: Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (USRA)
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NASA Official: Jay Norris. Specific rights apply.
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& Michigan Tech. U.

Publications with keywords: radio
Publications with words: radio
See also:

• The Arms of NGC 4258
• Supernova Remnant E0102 72 from Radio to X-Ray
• The Radio Sky: Tuned to 408MHz
• The Large and Small of M87
• M87 s Energetic Jet
• A Very Large Array of Radio Telescopes
• Around The Arches Cluster

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