Chandra Release - February 17, 2000

Visual Description: NGC 5548

The graphic features an X-ray spectrum of a Seyfert galaxy named NGC 5548, which is a type of active galactic nucleus (AGN).  In the image, there is a purple spiral shape with a white core in the middle, which shows the galaxy.  To the left of the image, there is a representation of the X-ray spectrum of the Seyfert galaxy NGC 5548. The structure of the X-ray spectrum can be compared to a sound wave, with the different wavelengths corresponding to different frequencies. This comparison highlights the importance of analyzing the X-ray spectrum to learn about the properties of the object emitting the X-rays, such as its temperature, density, and composition.