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Comparison between a visible-light image (left) of Centaurus A, as seen
with the Wide-Field Imager on the MPG/ESO 2.2-metre telescope, and a
near-infared view (right) obtained with the SOFI instrument on ESO’s
New Technology Telescope, also at La Silla. Centaurus A (NGC 5128) is
the nearest giant, elliptical galaxy, at a distance of about 12 million
light-years. Between 200 and 700 million years ago, this galaxy is believed
to have consumed a smaller spiral, gas-rich galaxy — the contents of which
appear to be churning inside Centaurus A’s core, triggering new generations
of star birth. The SOFI image was specially processed to look through the dust,
providing a clear view of the centre and revealing a previously unknown ring of
stars and clusters. The field of view is about 4 x 4 arcminutes.
See Related Article: http://www.sflorg.com/spacenews/sn112009_01.html
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