Articles tagged with Black Holes
Astronomers have discovered that particle escapees from black holes steal rotational energy through interactions with magnetic fields, resulting in high-speed plasma jets. The new simulations show two main mechanisms: the Blandford-Znajek process and a particle-boosting mechanism near the equator.
Researchers have combined decades-old theories to provide insight into the driving mechanisms of plasma jets in black holes. The simulations describe how twisting magnetic fields and 'negative-energy' particles produce these powerful displays, allowing black holes to steal energy and propel it far from their event horizons.
Massive black holes may have formed in rare, densely populated areas of the early universe, a new study suggests. The team used simulations to model the growth of dark matter halos and found that rapid assembly prevented normal star formation, leading to black hole formation instead.
A recent study using high-precision polarization measurements of five gamma-ray bursts has found that GRBs oscillate in the same direction within short time slices, with the oscillation direction changing over time. The results challenge previous theoretical models and provide new insights into the physics of GRB prompt emissions.
A Tel Aviv University-led study finds that some supermassive black holes are triggered to grow by suddenly devouring a large amount of gas in their surroundings. This discovery provides new insights into the mysterious growth of these 'giant monsters'.
Researchers discovered that photons emitted during black hole creation appear to be disordered, yet highly ordered within short time slices. This contradicts theories of either complete polarization or randomness, presenting new challenges for understanding the birth environment of black holes.
Astronomers have observed a rare supernova that provides a unique glimpse into the physics of black hole or neutron star creation. The object, known as AT2018cow, is thought to be the formation of an accreting black hole or neutron star.
A Northwestern University-led team captures the exact moment a star collapsed to form a compact object like a black hole or neutron star, revealing evidence of an accreting black hole or neutron star. The event, known as AT2018cow, was detected in the Hercules constellation and emitted remarkable bright glow.
A Northwestern University-led team captures the moment a star collapsed to form a compact object, such as a black hole or neutron star. The team used multiple imaging sources and a comprehensive approach to study the object's makeup, finding evidence of hydrogen and helium.
Astronomers have detected a distant quasar from the early universe using Gemini Observatory, which provides critical insights into the formation of galaxies. The quasar is fueled by a supermassive black hole at its center, with mass 700 million times that of our Sun.
A new study has discovered that oscillating X-rays from consumed stars can reveal the mass and spin of a black hole. By analyzing the quasi-periodic oscillation every 131 seconds, researchers found that the signal is representative of the physical properties of the black hole itself.
Researchers detected periodic X-ray signal near black hole event horizon, estimating spin of 50% the speed of light. The discovery uses tidal disruption flare to estimate black hole spin for the first time.
Researchers detected 'echoes' within an X-ray burst from a black hole, suggesting the corona shrinks as it feeds. The corona, halo of highly-energized electrons, significantly contracts from 100km to 10km in just over a month.
Researchers used NASA's NICER payload to detect X-ray light from a small black hole (J1820) consuming material from a companion star. Light echoes revealed changes in the environment's size and shape, providing new insights into stellar-mass black holes' behavior.
Researchers have discovered a bright quasar at a time when the universe was less than one billion years old, providing a rare opportunity to study black holes in the early universe. The quasar is fueled by a supermassive black hole and emits light equivalent to 600 trillion suns.
Physicists at LSU and Penn State develop new mathematical equations that go beyond Einstein's theory of general relativity, showing that black hole singularities do not exist. The theory predicts a funnel to another branch of space-time instead.
Loop quantum gravity allows physicists to extend gravitational physics beyond general relativity's limitations, enabling the analysis of black hole interiors. The theory predicts a repulsive force that can overwhelm classical gravity, potentially resolving the information paradox at black holes.
Researchers from RIKEN and JAXA use ALMA radio observatory to measure magnetic field strengths near two supermassive black holes. The findings reveal that the magnetic fields are insufficient to heat coronae to one billion degrees Celsius, contradicting previous assumptions.
Researchers from the University of Portsmouth played a vital role in observing four new gravitational waves using LIGO and VIRGO detectors. These findings revolutionize our knowledge of high-mass star formation, evolution, and black hole production, with implications for understanding the universe.
The LIGO and Virgo collaborations have detected 10 stellar-mass binary black hole mergers and one neutron star merger, with six of the black hole events previously reported. The new detections include GW170729, GW170809, GW170818, and GW170823, which are included in a new catalog of gravitational-wave events.
A team of astronomers used ALMA to observe a supermassive black hole in the Circinus Galaxy, finding that gas expelled from the center interacts with infalling gas to create a turbulent three-dimensional structure. This 'donut' structure is not rigid, but rather a complex collection of highly dynamic gaseous components.
The study reveals that gas clouds rapidly moving around a central black hole form the very heart of this quasar. The research is the first detailed observation outside of our galaxy of gas clouds whirling around a central black hole.
Scientists at Radboud University and Goethe University created a 360-degree virtual reality simulation of Sagittarius A*, the supermassive black hole at the center of our galaxy. The simulation provides an immersive experience, allowing researchers to study black holes in unprecedented detail.
Researchers discovered trans-galactic streamers flowing into the most luminous galaxy in the universe, W2246-0526. The galaxy is stripping away material from three smaller neighbors, which will fuel its star-forming activity for hundreds of millions of years.
Researchers have observed two galaxy nuclei in close proximity to each other, providing a rare glimpse of supermassive black hole pairs. The study offers insights into the final stages of galaxy mergers and their role in shaping the evolution of massive black holes.
A team of astronomers captured the best view yet of merging galaxies and their supermassive black holes, revealing that galaxy mergers are critical in fueling the growth of these massive black holes. The discovery uses high-resolution images and X-ray data to pinpoint the location of these hidden black hole mergers.
Research team observes pairs of supermassive black holes drawn together by merging galaxies, providing insights into the late stages of cosmic collisions. The study confirms that over 17% of nearby galaxies host a pair of black holes at their center.
Researchers used a rotating water-filled device to simulate the magnetorotational instability, which helps explain how matter falls inward to form planets in a reasonable time. The experiment confirmed the strong impact of magnetic forces on metal behavior, paving the way for a clearer understanding of accretion disk dynamics.
Researchers have developed an AI bot named ClaRAN to identify galaxies emitting powerful radio jets from supermassive black holes. The system uses machine learning to spot complex galaxy structures, reducing manual classification by human astronomers.
Researchers have found evidence for a large number of double supermassive black holes, precursors to massive galaxy mergers. The discovery was made by studying radio maps of powerful jet sources, which showed signs of periodic changes in jet direction, indicative of binary black hole mergers.
The Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) will enable astrophysicists to study gravitational waves emitted by black holes, which could unveil secrets about dark matter. Simulations suggest a connection between black hole merger rates and dark matter properties.
A RUDN physicist has demonstrated how to calculate the shape of a symmetrical wormhole based on its wave spectrum, providing new insights into the physics of black holes. The research uses quantum mechanical and geometrical assumptions to determine the shape and mass of a wormhole from observable properties such as red shift.
The RIT-led collaboration simulates neutron star mergers, linking them to the creation of heavy elements like gold and platinum. The project aims to improve understanding of binary neutron star merger processes, including electromagnetic signals and strong gravitational wave signatures.
A team of astronomers using Gaia data found twenty high-velocity stars racing towards the Galactic centre, raising questions about their origin. The stars' velocities could be a sign of supermassive black holes or binary systems in nearby galaxies.
Researchers at Rochester Institute of Technology have built the first simulation to predict light signals from supermassive black hole binaries nearing merger. The model combines information gathered from light- and gravitational waves, enabling scientists to identify these monster collisions with existing and future telescopes.
A new computer simulation simulates the effects of general relativity on spiraling supermassive black holes, predicting predominant UV and X-ray light emission. The simulation suggests that gas in these systems will glow predominantly in these wavelengths when two supermassive black holes collide.
Researchers from UC Berkeley used statistical analysis of 740 supernovas to conclude that primordial black holes can make up no more than 40% of the universe's dark matter. This finding suggests that heavy black holes or MACHOs do not exist as a type of dark matter.
Researchers study microscopic behavior of thermally stable SAdS black holes using Ruppeiner's thermodynamic geometry method, revealing attractive interactions among black-hole molecules. A new molecular potential is proposed for thermal stable SAdS black holes, providing a new perspective for exploring microstructure.
Researchers observed a strongly magnetized accreting X-ray pulsar using the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array and NASA's Swift space telescope. The discovery reveals a new class of jet-producing sources, contradicting previous expectations about strong magnetic fields.
Researchers have detected matter falling directly into a black hole for the first time, with gas spiraling in at 30% of the speed of light. The discovery sheds light on chaotic accretion and its implications for supermassive black holes.
A simulation by Georgia Institute of Technology researchers suggests that direct collapse black holes (DCBH) would produce specific kinds of intense radiation, including X-rays and ultraviolet emission. They also predict the formation of massive metal-free stars, a finding unexpected at first but making sense in hindsight.
Astronomers are probing the mystery of how galaxies stop forming stars by studying a class of galaxies known as 'self-quenching' galaxies. These galaxies have gas being blown out at incredible speeds, but without evidence of black hole activity, suggesting alternative mechanisms may be at play.
The discovery reveals hundreds of individual galaxies in the cluster, which surrounds an extremely active supermassive black hole at the center. The quasar's light has obscured these galaxies, making them invisible to astronomers.
Researchers found a massive black hole with a mass of 3.5 million solar masses in the center of Fornax UCD3, a rare and densely packed galaxy. This discovery supports the tidal origin hypothesis for the formation of ultracompact dwarfs.
Scientists use X-ray polarimetry to determine the shape of matter near a black hole in binary system Cygnus X-1, clarifying the lamp-post model as the correct geometry. This discovery may help understand the evolution of black holes and galaxies.
Astronomer Daniel Wang will collaborate with Jorge Cuadra in Chile to study the massive black hole at the center of the Milky Way, aiming to understand its interactions with the galactic ecosystem. This research has significant implications for our understanding of galaxy-wide properties and astrophysical processes.
A new study from RIT reveals that galaxy outskirts are likely hunting grounds for dying massive stars and black holes. Researchers have identified a method to pinpoint the location of massive black holes using supernovae with collapsing cores, offering a promising approach to detecting gravitational waves.
Researchers at Ohio State University have calculated that the probability of an electron burning up in a black hole is negligible. The study challenges the firewall argument, which suggested a ring of fire around black holes, and instead supports the fuzzball theory, which describes black holes as giant balls of yarn.
Scientists used the Very Long Baseline Array to capture a quasar nearly 13 billion light-years away, revealing details about its composition and potential jet expansion. The bright object is thought to be one of the brightest radio emitters at an early age, offering insights into the first galaxies in the universe.
Researchers capture strong evidence for intermediate-mass black holes using satellite imaging and multiwavelength radiation flares. The discovery provides insight into the nature of these elusive objects and their potential prevalence in galaxy peripheries.
A team of scientists tracked a stellar death caused by a supermassive black hole ripping apart a star in the Arp 299 galaxy. The researchers directly imaged the formation and expansion of a fast-moving jet of material ejected when the black hole destroyed the star.
Researchers propose that small dust clouds can partially obscure the innermost regions of AGNs, causing changes in light emissions. This explanation resolves long-standing puzzles in astrophysics.
Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder found that single activations of black holes occur more often in mismatched galaxy mergers, where one galaxy is huge and the other is puny. This is because violent collisions lead to less gas and dust falling onto black holes, making it less likely for two black holes to become active.
A new computer model developed by Dr. Jane Lixin Dai and Prof. Enrico Ramirez-Ruiz enables the categorization of variations in observations of Tidal Disruption Events, allowing for a better understanding of black hole properties and the study of rare celestial events.
A new study provides a unified model for understanding tidal disruption events, which occur when a star is torn apart by a supermassive black hole's gravity. The model reveals that viewing angle accounts for differences in observed properties of these events, offering a coherent framework for researchers to analyze.
Scientists from Goethe University Frankfurt and the Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies have developed a novel simulation code, ExaHyPE, to calculate gravitational waves on exascale supercomputers. This breakthrough allows for more accurate simulations of black hole mergers and other astrophysical phenomena.
The James Webb Space Telescope has the potential to observe the first stars in the universe, which formed about 200-400 million years after the Big Bang. The telescope can capture light from single stars with a massive amount of gravitational lensing, amplifying it up to 10,000 times.
A new study suggests that galaxies similar to the Milky Way should host multiple supermassive black holes, as predicted by a state-of-the-art cosmological simulation. The wanderings of these black holes are unlikely to affect our solar system due to their vast distances and low accretion rates.
Researchers at CU Boulder explore galaxy NGC 6240 with two supermassive black holes, revealing how stellar winds and black hole winds combine to power down star formation. The study creates a massive cloud of gas in the shape of a butterfly, significantly impacting the galaxy's evolution.
Astronomers used computer simulations to create images of accreting supermassive black holes in different gravity theories. They found that even highly non-Einsteinian black holes could mimic the appearance of standard black holes, highlighting the need for new techniques to distinguish them.