Markarian 231

Markarian 231
Observation data
Distance	600 Mly
Other designations
UGC 8058, Mrk 231, Mkn 231, Markarian 231, MCG+10-19-004, ZW VII 490
See also: Galaxy, List of galaxies

Markarian 231 (UGC 8058), was discovered in 1969 as part of a search of galaxies with strong ultraviolet radiation. It is a Type-1 Seyfert galaxy. There are clear signs that a powerful quasar is present in the center of the galaxy. It is located about 600 Million light years away from Earth.

Characteristics

The galaxy is now undergoing an energetic starburst. A nuclear ring of active star formation has been found in the center with a rate of formation greater than 100 solar masses per year. It is one of the most ultraluminous infrared galaxies with power derived from an accreting black hole in the center.

See also

• List of galaxies
• Quasar

External links

• Markarian 231 at ESA
• SpaceRef Feb 23, 2011 Quasar's Belch Solves Longstanding Mystery, from Gemini North Observatory, ApJ march 2011, to be published.