📖 what
What is an active galactic nucleus?
AstronomyGalactic Nuclei
Quick Answer
An active galactic nucleus, or AGN, is a compact region at the center of a galaxy that emits huge amounts of energy. It is powered by matter falling onto a supermassive black hole.
The Full Story
An active galactic nucleus is the bright central engine found in some galaxies where gas, dust, and stars feed a supermassive black hole. As material spirals inward, it heats up and can release enormous radiation across the spectrum, from radio waves to X-rays. Quasars, Seyfert galaxies, and radio galaxies are all types of AGN. The activity can also drive jets and winds that affect star formation in the host galaxy.
Key Facts
1.AGN are powered by supermassive black holes
2.They can produce jets and strong radiation
3.Quasars are a type of AGN
YouTube Angle
Suggested video title for this topic:
"The violent hearts of galaxies that can light up the cosmos"