Chandra Release - March 25, 2003

Visual Description: APM 08279+5255

 The image is an X-ray astronomical image of quasar APM 08279+5255, which is a galaxy with a supermassive black hole at its center. The image appears to be in shades of purple and blue, with a circular shape that resembles a spinning vortex or a tornado. The image also includes a smaller circle on the right side, which might represent another celestial object or a different part of the quasar's structure. Key structures in the image include the supermassive black hole at the center, as well as the accretion disk surrounding it. The accretion disk is composed of gas and dust that are being pulled towards the black hole due to its immense gravitational pull. This process heats up the gas and dust, causing it to emit X-rays that can be detected by telescopes like Chandra X-ray Observatory. Compared to familiar everyday objects, the X-ray astronomical image of quasar APM 08279+5255 resembles a spinning vortex or a tornado, reminiscent of natural phenomena such as hurricanes or whirlpools.