QSO
Science & Engineering abbreviation · Astronomy & Space
| Stands for | Quasi-stellar object |
|---|---|
| Categories | Science & Engineering |
QSO stands for Quasi-stellar object, an astronomy & Space abbreviation.
Extremely luminous active galactic nucleus that appears star-like in telescopes because it is so distant; quasars are powered by matter falling into black holes of millions to billions of solar masses. Some shine thousands of times brighter than the entire Milky Way.
Example: The spectrum of the QSO at redshift 7.5 shows absorption by neutral hydrogen in the early universe.
Usage notes
Maarten Schmidt recognized the first quasar, 3C 273, as a remote object in 1963 by identifying its redshifted spectral lines. Astrophysicist Hong-Yee Chiu coined the word "quasar" in 1964. In amateur radio QSO means a two-way contact between stations, an unrelated Q code.
Related abbreviations
More astronomy & Space abbreviations
- NEA – Near-Earth asteroid
- NEO – Near-Earth object
- NGC – New General Catalogue
- NS – Neutron star
- pc – Parsec
- PHA – Potentially hazardous asteroid
- RA – Right ascension
- RP-1 – Rocket Propellant-1
- RTG – Radioisotope thermoelectric generator
- SETI – Search for extraterrestrial intelligence
- SKA – Square Kilometre Array
- SLS – Space Launch System