Currently, sci.esa.int is under review and not being updated. For the latest information and news from ESA science missions and scientific results, please visit esa.int. For a comprehensive overview of ESA’s Science Programme and its missions, please refer to science.esa.int. For in-depth technical information aimed at ESA's scientific communities, you may also wish to consult cosmos.esa.int.

Asset Publisher

Back Hubble view of green filament in galaxy NGC 5972

Hubble view of green filament in galaxy NGC 5972


Date: 02 April 2015
Satellite: Hubble Space Telescope
Depicts: NGC 5972
Copyright: NASA, ESA, W. Keel (University of Alabama, USA)

This new NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope image shows ghostly green filaments, lying within galaxy NGC 5972. This filament was illuminated by a blast of radiation from a quasar – a very luminous and compact region that surrounds the supermassive black hole at the centre of its host galaxy.

Its bright green hue is a result of ionised oxygen, which glows brightly at green wavelengths.

Last Update: 1 September 2019
16-Feb-2026 16:35 UT

ShortUrl Portlet

Shortcut URL

https://sci.esa.int/s/w0ev6mW

Latest Selection

Also Available As

Related Images

Related Videos

Caption & Press Release

Related Publications

Related Links

See Also

Documentation