An unassuming nearby galaxy nicknamed The Teacup (more formally known as J1430+1339) hides a tempest inside. The supermassive black hole at this galaxy’s center is furiously gobbling the galaxy’s gas and dust.
Image Credit: NASA
In this composite image of the Teacup Galaxy (aka SDSS 1430+13) the visible light from stars is shown in green, the IR emissions from gas and dust cloud are shown in blue, and the red/yellow colors show the radio emission. The bright yellow blobs in the center of the image show where the radio “jets” emitted by the central black hole are driving into the gas and pushing outward at 1,000 km/s. The central black hole is having a catastrophic effect on this galaxy.
Image Credit: NRAO