What You Need to Know About the Uncommon Phenomenon of a Triple Active Galactic Nucleus
In the vast expanse of the universe, cosmic collisions between galaxies mesmerize astronomers and reveal captivating secrets about our cosmos. One such collision is currently unfolding, captivating the attention of scientists worldwide. Two colossal spiral galaxies are merging, but that’s not all—two smaller galaxies are also entwined in this cosmic dance. The spectacle is captured in a stunning composite image obtained from the collaborative efforts of the European Space Agency’s Hubble Space Telescope and NASA’s Advanced Camera for Surveys, alongside the Dark Energy Camera on the Victor M. Blanco four-meter telescope in Chile.
At the center stage of this celestial event is NGC 7734, a large spiral galaxy residing in the upper half of the image. Its spiral arms, once gracefully spiraling outward, have now unraveled, creating a magnificent display. Positioned adjacent to NGC 7734 is NGC 7733, a distorted galaxy that echoes the tumultuous nature of this galactic performance. As if to further accentuate its disheveled state, NGC 7733 forms a warped ring galaxy with a striking lens or bar structure in its core.
Within NGC 7733’s captivating blue ring, an observant eye can discern a prominent bright knot. Closer examination reveals a third galaxy known as NGC 7733N, nestled within this cosmic ring. Positioned between us and NGC 7733, NGC 7733N actively interacts with its surrounding galaxy and likely contributed to the formation of the ring structure—an occurrence that typically arises when a smaller galaxy traverses through a larger one during their cosmic collision.
As our gaze shifts to the lower left portion of the image, a slender beam of light emerges—the fourth galaxy in this grand ensemble. While insights from ultraviolet observations propose a connection between this sliver of light and NGC 7733 through a river of hot gas, further confirmation awaits redshift measurements.
These four awe-inspiring galaxies are located approximately 500 million light-years away, a staggering distance that accentuates the immense magnitude of this celestial performance. As they interact and intertwine, their destiny becomes vividly apparent—an eventual merger that will birth a colossal elliptical galaxy destined to awe astronomers with its magnificence.
In a recent study published in the esteemed journal Astronomy and Astrophysics, researchers utilized cutting-edge data obtained from the Very Large Telescope’s MUSE (Multi Unit Spectroscopic Explorer) instrument, complemented by near-infrared observations from the South African Astronomical Observatory. The study shed light on NGC 7733b, unraveling an intriguing finding—an active galactic nucleus (AGN) named Low Ionisation Nuclear Emission-line Region (LINER) thrives within its cosmic heart. Astonishingly, both NGC 7734 and NGC 7733N also house Seyfert AGN, resulting in the rare phenomenon of a triple AGN system within this galactic amalgamation. As these galaxies inevitably merge, the supermassive black holes ensconced within their AGN will engage in a mesmerizing cosmic waltz, converging into a solitary, behemoth black hole.
This captivating image of cosmic symbiosis and impending transformation was made possible through the collective efforts of scientific ingenuity and advanced telescopic technology. It serves as a testament to humanity’s ceaseless quest to unravel the mysteries of the universe and showcases the ever-evolving beauty that resides within the depths of space.
As we reflect upon this mesmerizing spectacle, we are reminded that the universe is an ever-changing entity, offering us glimpses into its enigmatic nature. The merger of these galaxies encapsulates the beauty, chaos, and transformative power inherent in celestial collisions—a testament to the grandeur and complexity that exists beyond our terrestrial abode.