The false color x-ray image shows a narrow structure protruding from the central region of Centaurus A. The jetΓÇöabout 4 arc minutes or 20,000 light years longΓÇöconnects the galaxyΓÇÖs nucleus to the gigantic radio lobes. Astronomers have discovered over 100 radio jets in other galaxies but only three x-ray jets. More x-ray jets will likely be discovered with improved satellites.
It may seem peculiar to see only one jet, when a glance at Centaurus AΓÇÖs radio image shows two extended radio lobes, one on each side of the nucleus. The missing jet may be hidden by a process called Doppler beaming, which enhances the intensity of the jet moving toward us while reducing that of
