Hubble Space Telescope spots the smallest known galaxy containing a supermassive black hole

(M60-UCD1 – Photo Credit: NASA/ESA/CXC/J. Strader)

Astronomers, using data from the Hubble Space Telescope, have discovered an unlikely cosmic object in a highly improbable location: a monster supermassive black hole located inside one of the smallest galaxies ever known.

Seven new dwarf galaxies discovered

(The seven galaxies pictured surrounding the Pinwheel Galaxy – Photo Credit: Yale University)

Using a new, unique type of telescope, Yale University astronomers have discovered seven dwarf galaxies that surround M101, the well-known Pinwheel Galaxy. The previously unknown galaxies could reveal important insights into dark matter and galaxy evolution, while signaling the discovery of a new class of cosmic objects.

Image of the Day: 24/6/14

(Photo Credit: NASA/ESA)

Taken with Hubble’s Advanced Camera for Surveys, the subject of this picture is dwarf galaxy NGC 5474, which is located 21 million light-years away in the constellation of Ursa Major.