Retired Quasars Live On to Generate the Fastest, Most Energetic Cosmic Rays

Images available at http://universe.gsfc.nasa.gov/press/images/cosmic_ray/

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The scientists have identified four elliptical galaxies that may have started a second career of high-energy cosmic-ray production, all located above the handle of the Big Dipper and visible with backyard telescopes. Credit: NASA

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Each galaxy contains a central black hole of at least 100 million solar masses that, if spinning, could form a colossal battery sending atomic particles, like sparks, shooting off towards Earth at near light speed.

Credit: NASA/HST/Timothy Hamilton

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