November 4, 2003
Nucleus of our Galaxy, the Milky Way. Sagittarius A (Sgr A) at 1.3 x 2.5 arcsec resolution. An intensity-hue representation: intensity is 6 cm continuum (B, C, and D array 1983-1984) and color (hue) is spectral index between 6 and 20 cm. Blue is a non-thermal spectral index of ~1 and red is an inverted spectrum of + 0. 5. The HII regions to the east of Sgr A East are partially optically thick with an inverted spectrum between 20 and 6 cm. The non-thermal source Sgr A - East shows a shell structure and may be a galactic supernova remnant with a size of about 10pc. The thermal spiral in Sgr A - West has an inverted spectrum which indicates a large electron density.
Topics: Supermassive black holes, Sagittarius constellation, Milky Way Galaxy, Technology Internet, Spectral index, SGR 1806-20, Sagittarius A, Sagittarius, Supernova, Galaxy, Radio astronomy