Active Galactic Nucleus

An Active Galactic Nucleus (AGN) is a highly energetic region at the center of some galaxies, powered by a supermassive black hole. As matter such as gas and dust spirals into the black hole, it heats up and emits vast amounts of light and radiation across the electromagnetic spectrum. This energetic output outshines the rest of the galaxy and can produce jets of particles streaming outward. AGNs are important for understanding galaxy evolution and black hole growth, and they exhibit diverse appearances, including quasars and blazars, depending on the orientation and activity level.