Centaurus A Galaxy

About This Photograph

This enigmatic galaxy is clearly undergoing some dynamic change. From its overall shape it appears like many elliptical galaxies, but it is bisected by a dramatic dust lane typical of spiral galaxies. Scientists suspect that it is the result of two galaxies colliding, perhaps before the aftermath has quite settled down into its final form. The collision has given rise to a burst of star formation, evidenced here by the reddish nebulas studding the dust lane and a subtle band of young, hot blue stars along its edge. A stream of ionized hydrogen gas trails off to the lower left, thought to be a jet of gas propelled by the galaxy's central supermassive black hole.