This x-ray image shows two concentrations of x-ray emission known as ΓÇ£resolved components.ΓÇ¥ Emission from the two components, located in the galaxyΓÇÖs core (left) and jet (right), and from the faint halo of hot gas are so bright, it is impossible to tell if the jetΓÇÖs knots are also emitting x-rays.
It is likely that the jetΓÇÖs x-ray emissionΓÇölike its radio and optical emissionsΓÇöis the result of synchrotron radiation from electrons spiraling through powerful magnetic fields at speeds approaching that of light. In their passage from the center of the galaxy, the electrons are thought to slow and accelerate several times before settling in the lobes.
