Galactic Nuclei
Articles tagged with Galactic Nuclei
What if dark matter came in two states?
Researchers suggest that dark matter may consist of multiple particles, whose behavior varies depending on the cosmic environment. This could explain why a signal observed at the center of our galaxy is not seen in dwarf galaxies.
Largest image of its kind shows hidden chemistry at the heart of the Milky Way
Astronomers have captured unprecedented detail of cosmic gas in the Milky Way's Central Molecular Zone, revealing intricate chemistry and complex star-forming processes. The dataset provides a unique view of the raw material from which stars form, shedding light on galaxy evolution and the birth of massive stars.
Cosmic predators: How supermassive black holes slow star growth in nearby galaxies
Colliding galaxies create the brightest, fastest growing black holes at their center
Scientists have found that active galactic nuclei are two to six times more common in merging galaxies than non-merging counterparts. Galaxy mergers were most strongly associated with bright, dust-cloaked supermassive black holes linked to rapid growth.
The monster hiding in plain sight: JWST reveals cosmic shapeshifter in the early universe
Astronomers discover galaxy Virgil with dual personality – ordinary in visible light but harboring massive black hole. JWST observations reveal hidden nature of Virgil, challenging current models of black hole formation.
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.
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.
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.
Understanding why galaxy clusters are warm may explain the origin of giant interstellar structures
A team of researchers at Nagoya University has discovered a fast-moving, high-temperature gas flow in the center of the Centaurus cluster of galaxies. This finding may solve the 'cooling flow problem', which explains why galaxy clusters appear to be warm despite emitting X-rays.
How black holes could nurture life
Researchers found that AGN radiation can have a paradoxically nurturing effect on life, especially when oxygen levels are present, allowing the planet's protective ozone layer to grow and shield it from radiation. This process can help ensure life's success, but its effects depend on how close the planet is to the source of radiation.
Hubble reveals surprising spiral shape of galaxy hosting young jet
Astronomers have discovered a rare spiral-shaped galaxy hosting a young jet, challenging the conventional wisdom on quasar formation. The galaxy, J0742+2704, features a supermassive black hole and brilliant hot disks of swirling gas that can blast off jets of material.
Astronomers close to solving mystery of how universe’s giant galaxies formed
Scientists have discovered birth sites of gigantic elliptical galaxies, suggesting large gas flows and galaxy collisions created these ancient systems. The research, published in Nature, may finally unravel the enigma of how these giant galaxies formed.
EHT scientists make highest-resolution observations yet from the surface of Earth
The EHT Collaboration has conducted test observations using ALMA and other facilities to detect light from distant galaxies at a frequency of around 345 GHz. The Collaboration achieved the highest resolution ever obtained from the surface of Earth, detecting details as fine as 19 microarcseconds.
Galaxies in dense environments tend to be larger, settling one cosmic question and raising others
A new study published in the Astrophysical Journal has found that galaxies in denser environments are up to 25% larger than isolated galaxies. Researchers used a machine learning tool to analyze millions of galaxies and found a clear trend: galaxies with more neighbors are also on average larger.
Testing a theory of supermassive black holes with 100 newly described 'blazars'
Researchers characterize 106 dim blazars to test the blazar sequence theory, exploring black hole growth and general relativity. The study reveals that lower-energy peaks for dim blazars peak in blue, higher-energy light, extending current knowledge of the pattern.
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.
First direct image of a black hole expelling a powerful jet
Astronomers have observed for the first time the shadow of a black hole and the powerful jet expelled from it in the same image. The new image shows how the base of the jet connects with the matter swirling around a supermassive black hole, allowing scientists to better understand how black holes create energetic jets.
Astronomers just got better at finding “bright” black holes
A team of astronomers has developed a new technique to detect active black holes in galaxies, measuring their impact on galaxy evolution. The method can be applied to millions of galaxies, searching for bright supermassive black holes at the centre of galaxies and studying their effect on star formation.
Gravitational ‘kick’ may explain the strange shape at the center of Andromeda
A new study suggests that a gravitational 'kick' from colliding supermassive black holes could be responsible for the strange shape of stars at the center of the Andromeda Galaxy. The team used computer simulations to track the consequences of such a merger, finding that it could knock millions of stars into wonky orbits.
Largest atlas of nuclear galactic rings unveiled
An international team of astrophysicists has created the most complete atlas of nuclear rings, which are enormous star-forming ring-shaped regions that circle certain galactic nuclei. The catalogue includes 113 such rings in 107 galaxies and provides insights into their properties and relationships with galaxy structure.