From the July 2009 issue

What is the center of a galaxy made of that makes it so bright?

Ev Bruhnke, Laramie, Wyoming
By | Published: July 27, 2009 | Last updated on May 18, 2023

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The Sombrero Galaxy (M104) exhibits a central spherical bulge of stars, as observed in a visible-light portrait captured by the Hubble Space Telescope.
  • Galactic core characteristics vary; many large galaxies contain a central concentration of bright stars.
  • Conversely, other galaxies possess extremely luminous cores, attributed to a central supermassive black hole consuming matter and emitting energy.
Key takeaways sponsored by The Space Store
September 2009 Sombrero Galaxy
A spherical “bulge” of stars illuminates the center of the Sombrero Galaxy (M104) in this
visible-light portrait captured by the Hubble Space Telescope.
NASA/Hubble Heritage Team (STScI/AURA)

It depends on the galaxy. Many large galaxies contain a central concentration of bright stars. Other galaxies have extremely luminous cores because a central supermassive black hole is consuming matter and radiating energy.

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