|
Explanation: The bright object in the center of the false color image above is quasar 3C279 viewed in gamma-rays, photons with more than 40 million times the energy of visible light. Like all quasars, 3C279 is a nondescript, faint, star-like object in the visible sky. Yet, in June of 1991 a gamma-ray telescope onboard NASA's orbiting Compton Gamma Ray Observatory unexpectedly discovered that it was one of the brightest objects in the gamma-ray sky. Shortly after this image was recorded the quasar faded from view at gamma-ray energies. Astronomers are still trying to understand what causes these enigmatic objects to flare so violently. Another quasar, 3C273, is faintly visible above and to the right of center.
|
January February March April May June July August September October November December |
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris. Specific rights apply.
A service of: LHEA at NASA / GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
Based on Astronomy Picture
Of the Day
Publications with keywords: quasar - gamma ray
Publications with words: quasar - gamma ray
See also:
- Supernova Remnant CTA 1
- APOD: 2024 August 21 Á Fermis 12 year All Sky Gamma ray Map
- APOD: 2023 September 6 Á HESS Telescopes Explore the High Energy Sky
- Illustration: An Early Quasar
- HESS Telescopes Explore the High Energy Sky
- Cherenkov Telescope at Sunset
- Neutrino Associated with Distant Blazar Jet