The composite image on the left shows one of the largest blobs observed in this study. Glowing hydrogen gas in the blob is shown by a Lyman-alpha optical image (coloured yellow). A galaxy located in the blob is visible in a broadband optical image (white) and an infra-red image (red). The blue (x-ray) shows evidence for a growing super massive black hole in the centre of the galaxy. Radiation and outflows from this active black hole are powerful enough to light up and heat the gas in the blob. Radiation and winds from rapid star formation occurring in the galaxy is believed to have similar effects. Clear evidence for four other active black holes in blobs is also seen. The artist's representation on the right shows what one of the galaxies inside a blob might look like if viewed at a relatively close distance. A two-sided outflow powered by the super massive black hole buried inside the middle of the galaxy is shown in bright yellow, above and below the spiral arms of the galaxy. This outflow illuminates and heats gas surrounding the galaxy. Radiation from regions close to the black hole will also play a significant role in lighting up and heating the blob. Stars are forming at a rapid rate in this galaxy, and young stars are being destroyed in supernova explosions. The three bright stars above the central bulge of the galaxy are examples of such supernovas.
Left panel: D.Alexander et al. S.Chapman et al. T.Hayashino et al. J.Geach et al. Right Illustration: M.Weiss
2009-06-24
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