Bright galactic core

NUSTAR/ CARNEGIE-IRVINE GALAXY SURVEY, 7 JANUARY 2017

Galaxy NGC 1448 contains an active galactic nucleus (AGN), a compact, central region noted for its extreme brightness. AGNs typically outshine all of the stars present in their galaxies and are luminous at all wavelengths. Most are thought to be powered by central supermassive black holes, which accrete matter and convert it to bright light that makes the core shine. This image was captured using the space-based Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array, whose X-ray vision is able to reveal the activity indicative of a central black hole.