Chandra Release - December 8, 2003

Visual Description: NGC 4261

A two panel graphic shows a Chandra X-ray Observatory image (left) and a ground-based optical image (right) of an elliptical galaxy, NGC 4261. The galaxy is colored orange in X-ray and yellow in optical.  The shape of the galaxy resembles an oval in the optical, but is clumpy and quite irregular in X-ray. This type of galaxy is characterized by its large size, low levels of star formation, and a lack of well-defined spiral arms like those found in spiral galaxies such as the Milky Way.  The X-ray image of NGC 4261 highlights various structures within the galaxy, including its central region, halo, and outskirts. The central part of the galaxy has a more concentrated distribution of X-ray emission, while the outer regions exhibit lower levels of X-ray brightness. The halo surrounding the galaxy is also visible in the X-ray image, appearing as a faint, diffuse glow.  The Chandra image of NGC 4261 reveals dozens of black holes and neutron stars strung out across tens of thousands of light years like beads on a necklace. The spectacular structure, which is not apparent from the optical image of the galaxy, is thought to be the remains of a collision between galaxies a few billion years ago.