Chandra Release - October 29, 2004

Visual Description: M87 Core

This is an image of the core of M87, a galaxy in the constellation of Virgo. The colors are dramatic slashes and splotches of white, black and bright orange, like a creepy image carved into a pumpkin.  In the very center is a white core that almost resembles the shape of an archer lunging, pointing an arrow towards the upper right.  Scientists specially processed Chandra's X-ray data of M87 to reveal the presence of what they believe to be three rings associated with the galaxy's core and jet. One possible explanation for the triple-ring structure is the merger of two spinning, supermassive black holes.