Type 2 Quasar

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Chandra X-ray
Observatory Center
Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics
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Type 2 Quasar: (Left) An image of a strong X-ray source. (Right) The optical image of the spiral galaxy where the X-ray source is located.
(Credit: X-ray: NASA/IOA/Fabian et al., Optical: NASA/U.Durham/Smail et al.)

Caption: This Chandra X-ray Observatory image shows a powerful point-like X-ray source that is consistent with energy emitted by a central giant black hole. The optical image of the galaxy does not show evidence that such a black hole is present. This inconsistency, combined with a deficit of low energy X-rays, indicates that this X-ray source may be a rare type of veiled black hole, called a Type 2 quasar.

Scale: Image is 10 arcsec on a side.

Chandra X-ray Observatory ACIS Image

CXC operated for NASA by the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
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