Galaxy Centaurus A: One of the most interesting irregular galaxies, about 10-15 million light years away, and also one of the most intense radio sources in the sky. The huge dust bands in this relatively old elliptical galaxy indicate that most likely it collided and merged with a spiral galaxy. A tremendous black hole in the center swallows huge amounts of matter, thus creating the intense radiation.

For more clues what is going on in this very unusual galaxy see this image from different spectral sources and a Hubble mosaic of the central part.

The image was taken at the IAS astronomical site at the Hakos farm in Namibia.