Supermassive Sphere Brightens Post-Impact (IMAGE) University of Texas at Austin Caption In this second artist's impression a huge sphere in the center of a galaxy is shown after a star has collided with it. Enormous amounts of heat and a dramatic increase in the brightness of the sphere are generated by this event. The lack of observation of such flares from the center of galaxies means that this hypothetical scenario is almost completely ruled out. Credit Mark A. Garlick/CfA Usage Restrictions Free for use with news stories; other commercial use prohibited. Free for personal use. License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.