Jetting through the cosmos: Quasar J0742+2704 đ«
At first glance, this stunning infrared-light image from @hubbleesa reveals a serene spiral galaxy. But looks can be deceiving! Meet Quasar J0742+2704, a galaxy with a newborn jet blasting from the supermassive black hole at its centreâa discovery first made in 2020 with the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array. While the jet itself isnât visible here, the galaxyâs story is one for the books.
What makes J0742+2704 so fascinating?
- Its spiral shape is intactâa rare find for galaxies hosting jets, which are usually elliptical. Why? Jets are often triggered by chaotic mergers between galaxies that disrupt spiral formations.
- Hubble reveals subtle disruptions in its lower arm, hinting at a less dramatic interaction with another galaxy. Could this mean jets can form without a major galactic collision? Astronomers are on the case!
- Look closely to the lower right, and youâll see a ring galaxy, likely formed when a smaller galaxy plunged throug...