Galaxies · Giant radio galaxy
Alcyoneus
3.5 billion light-years · Light crosses it in 16 million years
- Across
- 16.3 million light-years
- Vs Earth
- 163× Milky Way
Open Alcyoneus in Cosmic Scale
In the app, Alcyoneus is part of the Beyond pack.
About
Alcyoneus is a giant radio galaxy whose jets have inflated two lobes of plasma stretching 16 million light-years end to end — one of the largest single structures made by one galaxy. The galaxy itself is unremarkable.
Jets from its central black hole blew radio lobes 16 million light-years end to end.
At a glance
| Distance | 3.5 billion light-years |
|---|---|
| Span | 16.3 million light-years |
| Found | 2022, with LOFAR |
| Source | Jets from its central black hole |
Did you know
- Its lobes are 160 times wider than the Milky Way, yet emptier than the best vacuum we can make.
- Nothing about its host galaxy or black hole looks special, which makes the size a puzzle.
- It is visible only at radio wavelengths; in ordinary light there is nothing to see.