Centaurus A

galaxy · radio waves · southern sky

Super powerful radio source. Centaurus A is the closest radio galaxy to Earth, meaning it shoots out incredibly strong radio waves that astronomers can detect with special telescopes. These waves come from a supermassive black hole at the galaxy's center eating material and releasing tremendous energy.

Fifth-brightest galaxy. Even though Centaurus A is incredibly far away, it's the fifth-brightest galaxy visible in our entire sky, which makes it perfect for people who love stargazing. You can only see it from the southern hemisphere or the very southern parts of the northern hemisphere.

Found in 1826. Scottish astronomer James Dunlop discovered Centaurus A from his home in Parramatta, Australia, more than 190 years ago. He was one of the first people to see this magnificent galaxy through a telescope.

Active galactic nucleus. The center of Centaurus A has been studied more than almost any other galaxy's center because it's close enough for scientists to see details really clearly. Astronomers use it to understand how supermassive black holes work and affect the galaxies around them.