|
|
|
|
|
ESA’s X-ray satellite, XMM-Newton, is taken by surprise by a rare type of galaxy, from which it has detected a higher number of X-rays than previously thought possible. XMM-Newton has allowed astronomers to stare into the far reaches of the Universe at quasars, vast cosmic engines that pump energy into their surroundings. It is thought that an enormous black hole drives each quasar, and as matter spirals into the black hole, powerful radiation and magnetic fields present in the region eject some of the gas back into space. This outflow has a profound effect on its surrounding galaxy, creating turbulence in its gas and hampering star formation. Understanding the behaviour of quasars, therefore, is an important step to understanding the early history of galaxies.
Artist impression of a BAL quasar. Credit: ESA (Image by C. Carreau). About 10-20% of all known quasars are termed BAL quasars, or ‘broad absorption line’ quasars, which harbor a thick cocoon of gas surrounding them. Most researchers believe that gas flows away from a BAL quasar along the equatorial direction of the accretion disc, with little X-ray emission, indicating that there is enough gas to absorb most of the X-rays given out from the region near the black hole. But according to the new research, some BAL quasars are behaving differently, spewing out material along their polar axes, at right angles to the accretion discs. Four of these misbehaving quasars were targeted again, and two of them were found to be emitting more X-rays than anticipated, indicating that there is no veil of absorbing gas surrounding these particular quasars, adding another twist to their evolutionary story. “Perhaps there can be both equatorial outflows and polar outflows simultaneously from these objects,” says Junxian Wang of the University of Science and Technology, China, who lead the research. “But we need more data so that we can look into the details of the X-ray emission.” The research team plan to follow up this work by monitoring more BAL quasars over a longer period of time, but interim computer simulations suggest that the polar outflows, like the gas ejected from the accretion disc, are also material falling in, turned away by fierce radiation before it comes near the black hole. Only future observations, combined with computer modelling, will provide more answers to the formation and evolutionary processes of these giant cosmic engines.
|
|
|
|
Infinity Rising This special publication features the photography of British astro-imager Nik Szymanek and covers a range of photographic methods from basic to advanced. Beautiful pictures of the night sky can be obtained with a simple camera and tripod before tackling more difficult projects, such as guided astrophotography through the telescope and CCD imaging. U.K. STOREE.U. STOREU.S. & WORLDWIDE STOREHubble Reborn
The Planets
3D Universe
 This new poster features some of the best pictures from NASA's amazing Mars Exploration Rovers Spirit and Opportunity.U.K. STOREE.U. STOREU.S. & WORLDWIDE STORE |
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
HOME | NEWS ARCHIVE | MAGAZINE | SOLAR SYSTEM | SKY CHART | RESOURCES | STORES | SPACEFLIGHT NOW © 2013 Pole Star Publications Ltd. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Hubble Reborn takes the reader on a journey through the Universe with spectacular full-colour pictures of galaxies, nebulae, planets and stars as seen through Hubble's eyes, along the way telling the dramatic story of the space telescope, including interviews with key scientists and astronauts. 
From tiny Mercury to distant Neptune and Pluto, The Planets profiles each of the Solar System's members in depth, featuring the latest imagery from space missions. The tallest mountains, the deepest canyons, the strongest winds, raging atmospheric storms, terrain studded with craters and vast worlds of ice are just some of the sights you'll see on this 100-page tour of the planets. 
Witness the most awesome sights of the Universe as they were meant to be seen in this 100-page extravaganza of planets, galaxies and star-scapes, all in 3D!