: Like two whirling skaters, this duo generates enough energy to make the center of the galaxy outshine the billions of stars surrounding it.
Located approximately away in the southern constellation of Centaurus, Centaurus A is technically classified as a "low-ionization nuclear emission-line region" (LINER) and a radio galaxy, but it exhibits definitive quasar-like behavior. To understand why it qualifies as the nearest quasar, one must first redefine what a quasar is. Historically, quasars (quasi-stellar radio sources) were defined by their star-like appearance and immense radio emission. Modern astrophysics recognizes them as the active nucleus of a galaxy driven by a supermassive black hole accreting matter. By that metric, Centaurus A is undeniably our local representative of this cosmic phenomenon.
At roughly , "near" is a relative term. However, in a universe that spans billions of light-years, Mrk 231 is practically in our backyard. What Makes Mrk 231 So Special? nearest quasar to earth
You might wonder why we don't have a quasar in our own Milky Way. The truth is, we might have had one billions of years ago! Quasars are "active" galactic nuclei. They require a steady diet of gas and dust falling into a supermassive black hole to stay lit.
, moving away from us at roughly 12,400 km/s due to the expansion of the universe. : Like two whirling skaters, this duo generates
In recent years, professional astronomers have identified quasars that are closer than 3C 273 but lack the historical fame.
However, if you are looking for the absolute closest active galactic nucleus (the technical definition of a quasar), the answer is technically , which is vastly closer but often excluded from simple lists due to its dusty, obscured appearance. At roughly , "near" is a relative term
Markarian 231 is more than just a bright light; it is a chaotic environment undergoing a major evolutionary transition. It has a redshift of
Meet Markarian 231: Earth's Nearest Cosmic Powerhouse When we think of "nearby" space, we usually think of the Moon, Mars, or maybe the nearest star, Proxima Centauri. But if you zoom out—way out—you’ll find , the nearest quasar host galaxy to Earth .