The NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope captured this image of UGC 11397, the Barred Spiral Galaxy, which houses a rapidly growing, supermassive black hole.

Also referred to as IRAS 19019+3346, Leda 62725, or TC 872, UGC 11397 is situated in the constellation Lyra and is approximately 250 million light years distant.

The first documented mention of this spiral galaxy appeared in a galaxy catalogue compiled by Swiss astronomer Fritz Zwicky in 1966.

“At first glance, UGC 11397 seems like a typical spiral galaxy,” stated Hubble astronomers.

“It showcases two graceful spiral arms illuminated by stars, framed by dark, dense dust clouds.”

“What sets UGC 11397 apart from a standard spiral is the ultra-massive black hole at its core, which has a mass 174 million times that of the sun,” they noted.

“As the black hole ejects gas, dust, and even entire stars from its vicinity, this material heats up, creating a spectacular cosmic display.”

“Materials engulfed by black holes emit radiation ranging from gamma rays to radio waves, leading them to brighten and dim unexpectedly.”

“Nonetheless, in some galaxies like UGC 11397, thin dust clouds obscure much of this energetic activity from optical light observation.”

“Still, the rapidly growing black hole in UGC 11397 has been identified through its intense X-ray emissions.”

This discovery led astronomers to categorize it as a Type 2 Seyfert Galaxy, a classification for active galaxies whose central cores are obscured by dust and gas formations.

“Utilizing Hubble, we will examine hundreds of galaxies that host ultra-massive black holes similar to UGC 11397,” the researchers stated.

“Hubble’s observations aid us in measuring nearby supermassive black holes, understand their growth early in the universe’s history, and explore star formation in extreme conditions at the galaxy’s center.”