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NGC 2841: Galactic Chimneys Turn Up the Heat
This X-ray/optical composite image of the large spiral galaxy NGC 2841 shows multimillion degree gas (blue/X-ray) rising above the disk of stars and cooler gas (gray/optical).
The rapid outflows of gas from giant stars, and supernova explosions in
the disk of a galaxy create huge shells or bubbles of hot gas that
expand rapidly and rise above the disk like plumes of smoke from a
chimney. Chandra's image of NGC 2841 provides direct evidence for this
process, which pumps energy into the thin gaseous halo that surrounds
the galaxy. Galactic chimneys also spread hot, metal enriched gas away
from the disk of the galaxy into the halo.
| Fast Facts for NGC 2841: |
| Credit |
X-ray: NASA/CXC/U. Mass/Q.D.Wang; Optical: NOAO/KPNO |
| Scale |
Image is 5.75 arcmin across |
| Category |
Normal Galaxies & Starburst Galaxies |
| Coordinates (J2000) |
RA 09h 22m 02.60s | Dec +50º 58' 35.50" |
| Constellation |
Ursa Major |
| Observation Dates |
December 18, 2004
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| Observation Time |
8 hours |
| Obs. ID |
6096
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| Color Code |
X-ray: Blue, Optical: Gray/White |
| Instrument |
ACIS |
| Distance Estimate |
About 50 million light years |
| Release Date |
March 06, 2006 |
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