WASHINGTON - Astronomers will hold a media teleconference Monday, Dec. 17, at 1 pm EST to announce the discovery of a first-of-its-kind phenomenon involving a black hole and a neighboring galaxy. Researchers made the finding by combining data from NASA's space-based telescopes and ground-based observations.

To participate in the teleconference, reporters must call the Chandra press office at 617-496-7998 or e-mail Megan Watzke at mwatzke@cfa.harvard.edu for dial-in information. Audio of the event will be streamed live on the Web at:

http://www.nasa.gov/newsaudio

Briefing participants:

- Alan Smale, program executive, NASA Headquarters, Washington

- Daniel Evans, postdoctoral fellow, Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass.

- Martin Hardcastle, astrophysicist, University of Hertfordshire, United Kingdom

- Neil deGrasse Tyson, director, Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History, New York

A video file about the discovery, including interview footage with the principal investigator and dramatic new animation, will air on NASA Television on Dec. 17. For NASA TV streaming video, downlink and scheduling information, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/ntv

For information about NASA and agency programs on the Web, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov