Chandra Release - June 5, 2000

Visual Description: NGC 4151

 The Chandra X-ray Observatory image of the galaxy NGC 4151 features a bright, glowing spot in the center, surrounded by smaller dots. The surrounding dots create a pixelated texture that is reminiscent of a computer screen or an image viewed through a digital microscope. In terms of color, the bright spot is predominantly orange, while the surrounding dots are purple. This color scheme is vibrant and can be compared to a bright sunset or a neon sign. The X-ray image shows the central region of the galaxy NGC 4151, depicting a massive cloud of hot gas. The brightest regions in the cloud correspond to wisps that were previously observed in visible light by the Hubble Space Telescope. The colors represent X-ray intensities, with white the most intense, then yellow, etc. The cloud is 3000 light years across.