This Hubble Space Telescope image shows a bright spiral galaxy called MCG-01-24-014, about 275 million light-years from Earth. In addition to being a well-defined spiral galaxy, MCG-01-24-014 also has an extremely energetic core called an active galactic nucleus (AGN), hence its name.
This image from the Hubble Space Telescope shows MCG-01-24-014. It is a spiral galaxy located 275 million light-years away with an active galactic core and is classified as a Type 2 Seyfert galaxy. Seyfert galaxies, which are generally closer to Earth than quasars, are distinguished by their unique spectra, especially the "unexpected" radiation of type 2 Seyfert galaxies. Image credit: ESA/Hubble and NASA, C. Kilpatrick
More specifically, it is classified as a Type 2 Seyfert galaxy. Seyfert galaxies, like quasars, are one of the most common subtypes of AGN. While there are subtle differences in the precise classification of AGNs, Seyfert galaxies tend to be relatively nearby galaxies in which the host galaxy and its central AGN can still be clearly detected, while quasars are always very distant AGNs with startling brighter than its host galaxy.
There are further subtypes of Seyfert galaxies and quasars. In the case of Seifert galaxies, the main subtypes are type 1 and type 2. The difference between these two types of galaxies lies in their spectra - the patterns produced when light is split into different wavelengths - and Type 2 Seyfert galaxies emit spectral lines that are particularly associated with certain so-called "shouldn't exist" related to launch.
To understand why the light emitted by galaxies is considered to be "unexpected" emission, we first need to understand why the spectrum exists. The spectrum looks the way it does because certain atoms and molecules absorb and emit specific wavelengths of light in a very reliable way.
The reason for this lies in quantum physics: Electrons (tiny particles orbiting the nuclei of atoms and molecules) can only exist with very specific energies, so electrons can only lose or gain very specific energies. These very specific energies correspond to specific wavelengths of light being absorbed or emitted.
Therefore, according to certain rules of quantum physics, this emission line is a spectral emission line that should not exist. But quantum physics is complex, and some of the rules used to predict quantum physics use assumptions appropriate to laboratory conditions here on Earth.
According to these rules, this emission "should not exist" because it is so unlikely that it has been ignored. But in space, in the incredibly energetic core of the Milky Way, these assumptions no longer hold, and light that "shouldn't exist" still has a chance to shine at us.
compiled source: ScitechDaily
