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The Epic Interactive Encyclopedia 1997
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1992-09-02
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719b
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18 lines
Galaxy that is a strong source of
electromagnetic waves of radio wavelengths.
All galaxies, including our own, emit some
radio waves, but radio galaxies are up to a
million times more powerful. In many cases
the strongest radio emission comes not from
the visible galaxy but from two clouds,
invisible in an optical telescope, that can
extend for millions of light years either
side of the galaxy. This double structure at
radio wavelengths is also shown by some
quasars, suggesting a close relationship
between the two types of object. In both
cases, the source of energy is thought to be
a massive black hole at the centre. Some
radio galaxies are thought to result from two
galaxies in collision or recently merged.