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active galaxy
(redirected from Active galactic nucleus)

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active galaxy

In astronomy, type of galaxy that emits vast quantities of energy from a small region at its centre, the active galactic nucleus (AGN). Active galaxies are subdivided into radio galaxies, Seyfert galaxies, BL Lacertae objects, and quasars.

Active galaxies are thought to contain black holes with a mass 108 times that of the Sun, drawing stars and interstellar gas towards them in a process of accretion. The gravitational energy released by the in-falling material is the power source for the AGN. Some of the energy may appear as a pair of opposed jets emerging from the nucleus. The orientation of the jets to the line of sight and their interaction with surrounding material determines the type of active galaxy that is seen by observers. See also starburst galaxy.



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? Mentioned in ? References in periodicals archive
 
It is one of the closest radio galaxies to Earth, so its active galactic nucleus has been extensively studied by professional astronomers
I COULD MURDER A GALAXY; Amazing pictures of space system which eats ... by Dunn, Justin / The Mirror (London, England)
A galaxy emitting unusually high quantities of radiation from an active galactic nucleus at its center.
An introduction to modern galactic astrophysics and cosmology, 2d ed by SciTech Book News
It is one of the closest radio galaxies to Earth, so its active galactic nucleus has been extensively studied by professional astronomers
Galactic cannibalism strikes again. (Astronomy) by Science News
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