A new study led by Univ. Würzburg & MPIfR (Luca Ricci) provides unprecedented insights into the central regions of the nearby galaxy NGC 1052. Using high-resolution 43 GHz VLBI observations, the team identified a compact, point-like source within the galaxy’s active nucleus, indicating that NGC 1052 hosts a low-luminosity active galactic nucleus (LLAGN). Remarkably, the study also reveals a previously undetected third spiral arm in the galaxy’s disk, offering fresh clues about its formation and evolution. These findings deepen our understanding of the dynamic interplay between supermassive black holes and their host galaxies.
Part of the observations were conducted using the Global Millimeter VLBI Array (GMVA), with antennas which are supported by RadioNet funding. These high-resolution observations were crucial in identifying the compact nuclear source and studying the symmetric jet structure of NGC 1052.
Read more in the original publication: Astronomy & Astrophysics, DOI: 10.1051/0004-6361/202555568.
Image: High-resolution VLBI imaging of NGC 1052 revealing the compact nuclear source and symmetric jet structure (adapted from original publication).