This image shows radio light in AndromedaΓÇÖs central region. The year man first walked on the Moon, 1969, was also the year that radio continuum emissions were detected in AndromedaΓÇÖs spiral arms. The radio emissions seen here are a mix of both thermal and nonthermal. To separate the two, scientists make observations at different wavelengths. At the center of AndromedaΓÇöand also at the center of this imageΓÇöis a light blue mass with a bright, intense core. This radio sourceΓÇÖs dimensions vary depending on the wavelength, but at 20 centimeters it measures 8 to 10 arc minutes across (about 5,400 light years). The two pale lines of emission on either side of AndromedaΓÇÖs center originate in the galaxyΓÇÖs spiral arms.
