APOD 4.2

2012 April 4
Centaurus A

Centaurus A has yet to be featured in a COTW quiz, yet we already know so much about it. The class has already learned that Centaurus A is the closest active galaxy to Earth at a distance of only 11 million light-years away! Active galaxies are known for their black holes and Centaurus A is no different with its black hole in the galaxy's center. The black hole's center is a billion times the mass of the sun. What is truly amazing is that Centaurus A might have been caused by the collision of two normal galaxies! Hopefully the Milky Way is not consigned to the same fate one day, that would suck more than a black hole!
P.S - Pardon my use of "suck" :)