Accretion Discs
Articles tagged with Accretion Discs
How big can a planet be? With very large gas giants, it can be hard to tell
A team of researchers used spectral data from the James Webb Space Telescope to study the HR 8799 star system, finding clear evidence of sulfur on three gas giant planets. This discovery suggests that these massive planets likely formed through core accretion, contradicting older models.
Massive black hole mystery unlocked by Irish researchers
Researchers at Maynooth University found that chaotic conditions in the early Universe triggered the rapid growth of smaller black holes into super-massive behemoths. This breakthrough resolves a long-standing puzzle, suggesting that 'garden variety' stellar mass black holes can grow at extreme rates.
Massive cloud with metallic winds discovered orbiting mystery object
Researchers have discovered a massive cloud of gas and dust orbiting a mysterious object 3000 light-years from Earth, featuring winds of vaporized metals including iron and calcium. The cloud is gravitationally bound to the secondary object, which orbits its host star in the outer reaches of the planetary system.
Flaring black hole whips up ultra-fast winds
Astronomers discovered a never-seen-before blast from a supermassive black hole, whipping up powerful winds at 60,000 km per second. The event was triggered by an X-ray flare and formed in just one day, providing new insights into the magnetism of active galactic nuclei (AGNs).
Groundbreaking simulations show how black holes glow bright
Groundbreaking simulations reveal how black holes create dazzling light shows by material zipping around them. The results could help explain hundreds of faintly luminous objects spotted in the early universe.
Mysterious ‘impossible’ merger of two massive black holes explained
Astrophysicists used simulations to uncover the missing piece that previous studies had overlooked: magnetic fields. They found that strong magnetic fields can slow down a black hole and carry away some of its stellar mass, creating lighter and more slowly spinning black holes.
How black holes produce powerful relativistic jets
Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt used complex simulations to study the origin of powerful jets emitted by black holes. They discovered that magnetic reconnection is involved in extracting rotational energy and powering these jets.
Young rogue planet displays record-breaking ‘growth spurt’
A young rogue planet has displayed a record-breaking 'growth spurt', consuming 6 billion tons of gas and dust every second over several months. The observations provide insight into the turbulent infancy of such celestial bodies, revealing a tumultuous growth process similar to that of stars like our Sun.
Mixing neutrinos of colliding neutron stars changes how merger unfolds
Researchers found that neutrino flavor transformations alter the composition and signals of what's left after a neutron star collision, impacting the creation of heavy metals and rare earth elements. The simulations also influenced the matter ejected from the merger and electromagnetic emissions detectable from Earth.
NASA’s Hubble sees white dwarf eating piece of Pluto-like object
Astronomers detected water ice and nitrogen in fragments torn apart from a Kuiper Belt analog, revealing the presence of volatile-rich material. The discovery sheds light on planet formation and the delivery of water to rocky planets.
Hungry star is eating its cosmic twin at rate never seen before
Astronomers discovered a greedy white dwarf star consuming its closest celestial companion at an unprecedented rate. The study found that the super-dense white dwarf is burning brightly due to the mass transfer between the two stars, potentially leading to a massive explosion visible from Earth.
Unusual carbon dioxide-rich disk detected around young star challenges planet formation models
A study by Stockholm University revealed a planet-forming disk with an unexpectedly high abundance of carbon dioxide, challenging long-standing assumptions about planetary birthplaces. The discovery was made using the James Webb Space Telescope and suggests intense ultraviolet radiation may be reshaping the chemistry of the disk.
Dusty structure explains near vanishing of faraway star
Researchers at Ohio State University suggest a large cloud of dust and gas occluded Earth's view of the star ASASSN-24fw, causing its brightness to dim by 97% before brightening again. The team proposes that this disk is likely made up of carbon or water ice close in size to a large grain of dust.
Feeding massive stars
Researchers at Kyoto University discovered that streamers of gas can feed young stars, potentially leading to the rapid formation of high-mass stars. The team used ALMA to observe a system with two streamers, which carried enough matter to quench feedback effects from the central star.
SwRI-led paper summarizes notable progress in understanding the evolution of the terrestrial planets
A recent paper by SwRI-led researchers summarizes the scientific community's notable progress in advancing the understanding of the formation and evolution of the inner rocky planets. The study focuses on late accretion's role in controlling the long-term evolution of these planets, with implications for their habitability.
Biggest boom since Big Bang: Hawaiʻi astronomers uncover most energetic explosions in universe
Astronomers have discovered the most energetic cosmic explosions yet discovered, named 'extreme nuclear transients' (ENTs), which occur when massive stars are torn apart after wandering too close to a supermassive black hole. ENTs release vast amounts of energy visible across enormous distances and remain luminous for years.
Not one, but two massive black holes are eating away at this galaxy
Astronomers have found nearly 100 examples of massive black holes devouring stars in galaxy cores. A new study reveals a stealth black hole tearing apart a star 2,600 light years away from the galaxy's central massive black hole.
Young star clusters give birth to rogue planetary-mass objects
Advanced simulations reveal that PMOs form directly from disk interactions, inheriting material and moving synchronously with host stars. This discovery reshapes our understanding of cosmic diversity, suggesting a new class of objects born from gravitational chaos.
New study reveals how rogue planetary-mass objects form in young star clusters
Researchers uncover novel formation process for free-floating planetary-mass objects, which are cosmic nomads drifting freely through space. These objects can form directly through violent interactions between circumstellar disks in young star clusters.
Flickers and flares: Milky Way’s central black hole constantly bubbles with light
A Northwestern University-led team observed Sagittarius A*, the Milky Way's supermassive black hole, exhibiting a constant stream of flares with no periods of rest. The level of activity varies widely, from short interludes to long stretches, and appears to be random.
The black hole M87*: What has changed in one year
The EHT Collaboration unveils a new analysis of the supermassive black hole at the heart of galaxy M87, combining observations from 2017 and 2018. The study confirms the presence of a luminous ring with a shifted brightest region, indicating turbulent accretion disk dynamics.
Astronomers observe real-time formation of black hole jets for the first time
Astronomers have observed a phenomenon where a supermassive black hole forms plasma jets in real-time, marking the first-ever observation of this process. The discovery provides new insights into how black holes interact with their host galaxies and could help scientists understand the evolution of the universe.
Massive black hole in the early universe spotted taking a ‘nap’ after overeating
Astronomers detect a massive black hole in the early universe that is lying dormant due to low accretion rates, sparking debate about its formation and growth. The discovery challenges standard models of black hole development and suggests that these monsters may be born big or go through periods of hyperactivity.
We finally know where black holes get their magnetic fields: Their parents
Scientists have found that black holes inherit their magnetic fields from their parent stars, specifically the surrounding disk of swirling matter during collapse. This discovery resolves a longstanding mystery and opens doors for further studies of jets.
NASA’s Hubble, Webb probe surprisingly smooth disk around Vega
The study uses NASA's Hubble and James Webb space telescopes to observe the debris disk encircling Vega. The researchers find that the disk is surprisingly smooth, with no obvious evidence of large planets, challenging current theories about exoplanet systems.
Influence of a black hole's spin: First evidence of precession in ultraluminous accretion disks
Scientists at University of Tsukuba have discovered the first evidence of precession in ultraluminous accretion disks due to a black hole's spin. This phenomenon causes periodic fluctuations in luminosity and affects the direction of emitted radiation, shedding light on the influence of BH spin on cosmic phenomena.
First data from XRISM space mission provides new perspective on supermassive black holes
The XRISM space mission is providing unprecedented insights into the galactic neighborhoods of supermassive black holes. The mission's data confirms decades-old speculation about these regions, revealing complex structures and unexpected clues about their environment.
Supercomputer simulations reveal the nature of turbulence in black hole accretion disks
Researchers used high-resolution supercomputers to simulate accretion disk turbulence, finding that slow magnetosonic waves dominate the inertial range. This discovery sheds light on ion heating and acceleration in black hole environments.
Wind from black holes may influence development of surrounding galaxies
Researchers discovered wind from a black hole's radiation blasting gas out of its galaxy at an unprecedented speed. The study sheds light on how active black holes shape their galaxies by spurting on or snuffing out new star formation.
How do supermassive black holes get super massive?
A team of researchers used a hybrid approach to track the growth of supermassive black holes, finding that accretion dominated growth in most cases. Mergers made notable contributions, especially for massive black holes over the past 5 billion years.
Using wobbling stellar material, astronomers measure the spin of a supermassive black hole for the first time
Researchers at MIT have developed a new method to measure the spin of supermassive black holes by tracking the pattern of X-ray flashes produced during tidal disruption events. By analyzing the wobble of the accretion disk, they were able to determine that the nearby black hole was spinning at less than 25% the speed of light.
Persistent hiccups in a far-off galaxy draw astronomers to new black hole behavior
Astronomers have discovered a new black hole behavior where a smaller black hole repeatedly punches through the disk of a larger black hole, releasing plumes of gas. The findings challenge conventional views on black hole accretion disks and suggest they may be more varied in their contents.
James Webb Space Telescope captures the end of planet formation
A new study using the James Webb Space Telescope has captured the first-ever image of a planet-forming disk's gas dispersal, providing insights into how planets form in our solar system. The observations reveal that the inner disk of T Cha is evolving on very short timescales, differing from earlier spectra detected by Spitzer.
JWST captures the end of planet formation
The James Webb Space Telescope has imaged dispersing gas in a young star's disk for the first time. The observations reveal winds driven by stellar photons or magnetic fields, shedding light on the end of planet formation and the evolution of circumstellar disks.
UTSA researchers reveal faint features in galaxy NGC 5728 though JWST image techniques
Researchers at UTSA's Department of Physics and Astronomy have used deconvolution algorithms to enhance images of galaxy NGC 5728 obtained by the James Webb Space Telescope. The study reveals a faint extended feature that could be part of an outflow from a supermassive black hole interacting with the host galaxy.
Astronomers detect oldest black hole ever observed
Researchers discovered a massive black hole at the center of galaxy GN-z11, which dates back 13 billion years and challenges traditional theories on black hole formation. The ancient black hole is 'eating' its host galaxy, suggesting alternative formation mechanisms.
Astronomers detect first extragalactic circumstellar disc around a massive young star outside of the Milky Way
A team of astronomers led by Durham University detected a rotating disc structure around a forming high-mass star in another galaxy, marking the first extragalactic detection. The disc is estimated to be around 15 times the mass of our Sun and provides insights into star formation across different galactic environments.
New astrophysics model sheds light on additional source of long gamma-ray bursts
A new unified model confirms that some long-lasting gamma-ray bursts are created in the aftermath of cosmic mergers that spawn an infant black hole surrounded by a giant disk of natal material. The findings explain recently observed long GRBs that astronomers couldn't link to collapsing stars.
Disc around star observed in another galaxy for the first time
Researchers from Rice University and Durham University discovered a rotating disc of material circling a massive young star outside the Milky Way. The finding provides strong evidence for the formation process of high-mass stars, which are several times bigger than the Sun.
Monitoring of radio galaxy M87 confirms black hole spin
A team of researchers confirmed the spin of a black hole in galaxy M87 by analyzing data from 2000-2022, showing an 11-year cycle in its jet's precessional motion. The findings provide evidence that the black hole spins, enhancing our understanding of supermassive black holes.
Black holes eat faster than previously expected
A Northwestern University study reveals that black holes devour gas at a much faster rate than previously believed. The simulations indicate that the inner regions of the accretion disk are destroyed and replenished, explaining the drastic variation in quasars' brightness and fading patterns.
Astronomers reveal new features of galactic black holes
An international team of scientists has detected a quasi-periodic oscillation (QPO) signal in the radio band from a Galactic black hole system, revealing features that have never been seen before. The QPO signal may provide the first evidence of activity from a jet launched by a Galactic stellar-mass black hole.
First detection of secondary supermassive black hole in a well-known binary system
Researchers have detected a smaller black hole in the binary system OJ287 for the first time, confirming its existence through observations of 26 predicted flares and gamma ray signals. The bigger black hole weighs over 18 billion times the mass of our Sun.
Mysterious dashes revealed in Milky Way’s center
A new population of shorter, horizontally-oriented filaments has been discovered near Sagittarius A*, the galaxy's central supermassive black hole. These filaments are thought to be tied to the outflow of hot material from the black hole, providing insights into its spin and accretion disk orientation.
The ultra-fast space winds that shape the evolution of galaxies
An international research team explores ultra-fast gas emissions from active galactic nuclei, which significantly change galaxy ecosystems. The study confirms the existence of these powerful emissions and their role in regulating star formation.
Scientists map gusty winds in a far-off neutron star system
Scientists have created the first 2D map of wind patterns around a neutron star, revealing clues to galaxy formation. The map shows the wind's vertical structure and velocity, which is about 1 million miles per hour, and offers new insights into the influence of disk winds on galaxy evolution.
SwRI-contributed study provides darkest view ever of interstellar ices
Researchers utilized the James Webb Space Telescope to observe dense interstellar clouds, revealing a treasure trove of pristine ices from the early universe. The study provides new insights into chemical processes in one of the coldest places in the universe, offering clues on molecular origins and sulfur storage.
The ultimate fate of a star shredded by a black hole
Astronomers observe a star's destruction and discover that most of its material forms a spherical cloud, blocking high-energy emissions. The polarization of light from the event reveals symmetry in the cloud.
Close encounter more than 10,000 years ago stirred up spirals in accretion disk
Researchers discovered a massive protostellar disk in the Galactic Center with spiral arms, challenging previous understanding of star formation. The disk was perturbed by a close encounter with a nearby object, leading to the formation of spiral arms through accretion disk dynamics.
Powerful warm winds seen blowing from a neutron star as it rips up its companion
A team of astronomers discovered neutron stars blowing hot, warm and cold winds while consuming matter from a nearby star. The discovery provides key information about the behaviors of these extreme cosmic objects, which contribute to the formation of new stars and galaxy evolution.
Did rapid spin delay 2017 collapse of merged neutron stars into black hole?
A recent analysis of the 2017 GW170817 merger suggests that a rapid spin delay may have prolonged the merger, producing excess X-ray emissions. The radiation is thought to be produced by shocked material in the circumbinary medium, hinting at a bounce from the delayed collapse.
New evidence proves acceleration of quasar outflows at scale of tens of parsecs
Researchers from USTC discovered the acceleration of quasar outflows at tens of parsecs, exceeding traditional accretion disk wind model predictions. The findings suggest a key role for interstellar dust in facilitating this acceleration.
Origin of supermassive black hole flares identified: largest-ever simulations suggest flickering powered by magnetic ‘reconnection’
A new simulation suggests that energy released near a black hole's event horizon during magnetic field line reconnection powers the intense flares. The process involves interactions between the magnetic field and material falling into the black hole, releasing hot plasma particles that radiate away as photons.
Even dying stars can still give birth to planets
Researchers discovered that a large cavity in the discs surrounding evolved binary stars could be evidence of planet formation. The presence of heavy elements on the surface of dying stars suggests that dust particles rich in these elements were trapped by planets, supporting this hypothesis.
ALMA catches “intruder” redhanded in rarely detected stellar flyby event
Researchers use ALMA and VLA to detect chaotic dust and gas streams caused by an intruder object interacting with the binary protostar. The study provides evidence of flyby events in nature, which can dramatically perturb circumstellar disks and impact planet formation.
Earth isn’t ‘super’ because the sun had rings before planets
A new study by Rice University astrophysicist André Izidoro suggests that the sun had rings before planets formed, explaining many solar system features. The model simulates the solar system's formation hundreds of times and reproduces several features missed by previous models, including pressure bumps and rings.
Research reveals how plasma swirling around black holes can produce heat and light
Researchers at the DOE's Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory discovered a process in plasma swirling around black holes that causes previously unexplained emissions of light and heat. The process, known as magnetic reconnection, also jettisons huge plumes of plasma billions of miles in length.
Where does gold come from? — New insights into element synthesis in the universe
Researchers used computer simulations to investigate the conversion rates of neutrons and protons in accretion disks surrounding black holes, finding that disks with masses between 0.01 to 0.1 solar masses are optimal for heavy element production. This suggests that neutron star mergers producing such disks could be the origin of a lar...
Jet from giant galaxy M87: Computer modelling explains black hole observations
Theoretical physicists modelled the region around M87's supermassive black hole, confirming that gravity plays a key role in accelerating particles out to thousands of light years. The findings provide further evidence for Einstein's theory of general relativity and its application to astrophysical phenomena.