Multi-panel Image of 3C 321

A powerful jet from a supermassive black hole is blasting a nearby galaxy in the system known as 3C 321, according to new results from NASA. This galactic violence, never seen before, could have a profound effect on any planets in the path of the jet and trigger a burst of star formation in the wake of its destruction.

About the colours

This image is a composite of many separate exposures made by several of the instruments listed above. The color results from assigning different hues (colors) to each monochromatic image. In this case, the assigned colors are: Purple (X-ray): 0.3-8KeV Red (UV): NUV-MAMA Golden orange (Optical): F702W + FR533NR [O III] Blue (Radio): 1.5 and 5 GHz + 1408 + 1658 MHz

About the data

The science team comprises: D. Evans, W.-F. Fong, J. Lee, and R. Kraft (Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics), M. Hardcastle and J. Croston (University of Hertfordshire, U.K.), D. Worrall and M. Birkinshaw (University of Bristol, U.K.), and T. Muxlow (MERLIN/VLBI National Facility, Jodrell Bank Observatory, University of Manchester, U.K.).