Giant elliptical galaxy M87
Show in archive: true
XMM-Newton has provided detailed spectral analysis of the nucleus
and jets of the giant elliptical galaxy M87. Observation of this
relatively close bright X-ray and radio source situated at the
center of the Virgo cluster of galaxies has allowed the first
detailed study of the interactions between the thermal and radio
emitting plasma in its central region.
Top left, EPIC-pn image of M87 in the energy range 0.5-2 keV. The
galaxy's X-ray halo has an almost spherically symmetrical
appearance, with the exception of two localised enhancements to
the SW and E of the nucleus. Image courtesy of H. Bvhringer, Max-Planck
Institut f|r extraterrestrische Physik, Garching, Germany.
Top right, a combined view by both EPIC MOS cameras shows the
asymmetric extended X-ray arms of M87. The galaxy's X-ray halo has
been subtracted. Image courtesy of E. Belsole, Service
d'Astrophysique, CEA Saclay, France.
Bottom, X-ray mean energy level map of M87 provided by the EPIC
MOS camera superimposed on a radio map of the galaxy. Image
courtesy of E. Belsole, Service d'Astrophysique, CEA Saclay,
France.
Last Update: 1 September 2019
