What are Cataclysmic Variables?
Two types of variable stars, called Novae and Supernovae, are classified as Cataclysmic Variables since their increase in brightness is accompanied by a spectacular flare up or explosion.
What are Quasars?
A quasar is the abbreviation for Quasi-stellar object (QSO). Quasars are star-like in appearance but have certain special characteristics that differentiate them from ordinary stars.
When was the first Quasar discovered?
The first Quasar was discovered in 1963 by the Mount Wilson and Palomar Observatories in USA.
How far away are Quasars?
Quasars exist at Cosmological distances, typically over fifteen billion light years away.
What are the special characteristics of Quasars?
Quasars seem to be moving at speeds faster than of any known galaxy, and at more than 90% of the speed of light. The energy emitted by a Quasar is about a hundred times more than the energy emitted by an entire galaxy. However, the diameter of Quasar is unbelievably compact. Quasars emit light which is extremely blue in colour and varying rapidly in brightness.
What is the explanation for the special characteristics of quasars?
As yet no one has given a satisfactory explanation and Quasars remain among the most enigmatic objects in the universe. They are thought to be at the centre of galaxies, their brilliance emanating from the stars and gas falling towards and immense black hole at their nucleus.