What is an Active Galactic Nucleus and Why is it Important?

Thread starter Dysprosium
Start date Jan 9, 2004
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Nuclei

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An Active Galactic Nucleus (AGN) is a region at the center of some galaxies that emits significant energy, often outshining the entire galaxy. AGNs are powered by supermassive black holes that accrete surrounding material, leading to the release of vast amounts of radiation across the electromagnetic spectrum. They are important for understanding galaxy evolution and the role of black holes in the universe. Resources for further information include NASA's educational materials and academic articles on AGNs. Exploring AGNs helps astronomers gain insights into cosmic phenomena and the structure of the universe.

Jan 9, 2004

Dysprosium

Can anyone inform me as to what an "active galactic nuclei" is? Thanks a lot!

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Jan 9, 2004

Nereid

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Active Galactic Nucleus

Simple intro:
http://imagine.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/science/know_l1/active_galaxies.html

More detail:
http://www.ast.man.ac.uk/~rb/agn/

Google on 'AGN active galaxy' and you'll get lots of links ...

Last edited by a moderator: May 1, 2017

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