An astronomer discovers a knot of emission that appears to escape a radio galaxy at three times the speed of light.What makes this phenomenon possible?
A) The central black hole produces an exotic particle that travels faster than the speed of light.
B) Magnetic fields accelerate the jet particles.
C) Nothing; it is an optical illusion.
D) Nothing; it is a consequence of the cosmological expansion.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This phenomenon is known as superluminal motion, which is an optical illusion that occurs when objects move towards us near the speed of light, in a direction close to our line of sight. It doesn't actually involve anything moving faster than light but rather how the speed of light and the object's speed combine to create the appearance of superluminal speed.

An Astronomer Discovers a Knot of Emission That Appears to Escape