A team of astronomers has released a breathtaking new image of the Andromeda galaxy, our closest large neighbor, using data from multiple space and ground-based telescopes. The image, created in honor of dark matter pioneer Vera Rubin, showcases the galaxy’s stunning spiral arms and intricate details.
Andromeda, known as Messier 31 (M31), is about 2.5 million light-years away from Earth and has been a vital tool for astronomers studying galaxies beyond our own Milky Way. The new image, created by combining data from various telescopes across the electromagnetic spectrum, reveals unique insights into the galaxy’s structure and composition.
The X-ray data from NASA’s Chandra telescope revealed high-energy radiation emanating from Andromeda’s central supermassive black hole (M31*), which is significantly larger than our own Milky Way’s. M31* dwarfs Sagittarius A* (Sgr A*) with a mass 100 million times that of the sun, and its occasional flares offer a glimpse into this massive black hole.
The image is a testament to Vera Rubin’s groundbreaking work in the 1960s, which led to the discovery of dark matter. By precisely measuring Andromeda’s rotation, Rubin found evidence for an invisible halo surrounding the galaxy, which provided the gravitational influence necessary to hold it together.
Today, we know that dark matter accounts for 85% of the universe’s mass-energy density, with visible matter making up only 15%. This finding has led to significant research into particles beyond the standard model of particle physics that could compose dark matter.
The Vera C. Rubin Observatory has released its first images of the cosmos as part of a 10-year observing program, while a U.S. Mint quarter featuring Rubin was recently released in recognition of her monumental contributions to astronomy.
Source: https://www.space.com/astronomy/hello-neighbor-see-the-andromeda-galaxy-like-never-before-in-stunning-new-image-from-nasas-chandra-telescope-video