What is a Seyfert galaxy?
Quick Answer
A Seyfert galaxy is a spiral galaxy with a bright active nucleus. It is a less extreme type of active galactic nucleus than a quasar.
The Full Story
Seyfert galaxies were named after astronomer Carl Seyfert, who studied them in the 1940s. They are usually spiral galaxies with compact, bright centers powered by a supermassive black hole. Their nuclei can shine strongly in visible light, ultraviolet, and X-rays, while the host galaxy remains clearly visible. Seyfert galaxies are common in the nearby universe and provide a useful way to study black-hole activity close to home. NGC 1068 is one of the best-known examples.
Key Facts
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"A nearby galaxy with a bright core can reveal how black holes feed"
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