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M83:
X-rays Reveal Nature of Spiral Galaxy's Boisterous Activity
Chandra's image of M83 shows numerous point-like
neutron star and black hole X-ray sources scattered
throughout the disk of this spiral galaxy. The bright
nuclear region of the galaxy glows prominently due to a
burst of star formation that is estimated to have begun
about 20 million years ago in the galaxy's time
frame.
The observation revealed that the nuclear region
contains a much higher concentration of neutron stars
and black holes than the rest of the galaxy. Also
discovered was a cloud of 7 million-degree Celsius gas
enveloping the nuclear region.
The picture that emerges is one of enhanced star
formation in the nuclear region that has produced more
massive stars, leading to more supernova explosions,
neutron stars and black holes. This activity could also
account for the hot gas cloud which shows evidence for
an excess of carbon, neon, magnesium, silicon and
sulfur atoms. Mass evaporating from massive stars, and
the ejecta from supernovas have enriched the gas with
carbon and other elements.
Hot gas with a slightly lower temperature of 4 million
degrees was observed along the spiral arms of the
galaxy. This suggests that star formation may be
occurring at a more sedate rate in the spiral arms,
consistent with the observation of proportionately
fewer bright point-like sources there compared to the
nucleus.
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Fast Facts for
M83:
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Credit
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NASA/CXC/U.Leicester/U.London/R.Soria
& K.Wu
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| Scale |
Image is 11 x 10 arcmin |
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Category
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Normal
Galaxies & Starburst Galaxies
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Coordinates
(J2000)
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RA 13 37 00.80 | Dec -29º 51'
58.60"
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Constellation
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Hydra
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Observation
Date
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April 29, 2000
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Observation
Time
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14.3 hours
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Obs.
ID
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793
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Color
Code
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Energy: Red (0.3-1 keV), Green (1-2
keV), Blue (2-8 keV)
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Instrument
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ACIS
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Distance
Estimate
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12 million light years
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Also Known
As
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NGC 5236
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Release Date
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January 22, 2003
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