NGC 5548

This is the galaxy known as NGC 5548. At its heart, though not visible here, is a supermassive black hole behaving in a strange and unexpected manner. Researchers detected a clumpy gas stream flowing quickly outwards and blocking 90 percent of the X-rays emitted by the black hole. This activity could provide insights into how supermassive black holes interact with their host galaxies.

Image credit: ESA/Hubble and NASA

Note: For more information, see Swiftly Moving Gas Streamer Eclipses Supermassive Black Hole.