This composite image shows the jet from a black hole at the center of a galaxy striking the edge of another galaxy, the first time such an interaction has been found.  The blast may have a profound effect on planets in the jet's path and trigger a burst of star formation in its destructive wake.

Data from several wavelengths have been combined to create the image above. X-rays from Chandra (purple), optical and ultraviolet data from Hubble (red and orange), and radio emission from the Very Large Array and MERLIN (blue) show how the jet from the main galaxy on the lower left is striking its companion galaxy to the upper right.

The jet impacts the companion galaxy at its edge and is then disrupted and deflected, much like how a stream of water from a hose will splay out after hitting a wall at an angle.

:: More