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Andromeda Galaxy (M31):
Chandra Images Heart of Andromeda Galaxy

Chandra Andromeda Galaxy X-ray Image
[Please note: Additional observations of M31 that alter the conclusions in this release were announced on October 12, 2001. View the updated Chandra results on the Andromeda galaxy.]

This Chandra X-ray image shows the central portion of the Andromeda Galaxy. The blue dot in the center of the image is an unusually "cool" million degree X-ray source of unknown nature. Just above this cool source is a source (yellow) that is thought to be due to X-rays from matter swirling toward a supermassive black hole in the nucleus of the galaxy. This black hole contains the mass of 30 million suns. Numerous other X-ray sources are also apparent. Most of these are probably due to X-ray binary systems, in which a neutron star or black hole is in a close orbit around a normal star.

Fast Facts for Andromeda Galaxy (M31):
Credit NASA/CXC/SAO
Scale  Image is 1 arcmin on a side.
Category  Normal Galaxies & Starburst Galaxies
Coordinates (J2000)  RA 00h 40m 27s | Dec +40º 40' 12"
Constellation  Andromeda
Observation Date  October 13, 1999
Observation Time  2.8 hours
Obs. ID  303
Color Code  Cool blue dot - the rest is intensity
Instrument  ACIS
Also Known As M31
Distance Estimate Two million light years
Release Date  January 14, 2000

More Information on Andromeda Galaxy:
Press Room: Andromeda Galaxy Press Release
More Images of the Andromeda Galaxy
Andromeda Galaxy Handout: html | pdf
Powerpoint and PDF
Download image for your desktop
More Observations of Andromeda Galaxy:
Photo Album: M31 (Revised) (12 Oct 01)
More Information on Normal Galaxies & Starburst Galaxies:
X-ray Astronomy Field Guide: Starburst Galaxies
Questions and Answers: Normal Galaxies & Starburst Galaxies
Chandra Images: Normal Galaxies & Starburst Galaxies
More Information on Black Holes:
X-ray Astronomy Field Guide: Black Holes
Questions and Answers: Black Holes
Chandra Images: Black Holes


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