Quasars
Articles tagged with Quasars
Theory-breaking extremely fast-growing black hole
A team of astronomers has discovered a supermassive black hole with extreme growth rates, contradicting current models. The black hole is emitting bright X-rays and radio waves, hinting at unknown physical mechanisms. This finding provides a rare glimpse into time-variable black hole growth in the early Universe.
Astronomers challenge 50-year-old quasar law
New research reveals the structure of matter surrounding supermassive black holes has changed over cosmic time, challenging a fundamental assumption about their behavior. The study combines new X-ray observations to explore the relation between X-ray and ultraviolet light intensity of an unprecedentedly large sample of quasars.
Scientists capture an image of two black holes circling each other for the first time
Astronomers have captured the first-ever radio image of two black holes orbiting each other at the centre of a quasar called OJ287. The observation confirms the existence of black hole pairs and provides insight into their orbital motion.
Cosmic Himalayas quasar cluster defies explanation
A newly discovered cluster of eleven quasars has shattered the previous record of five, with the Cosmic Himalayas quasar cluster sitting on the boundary between two groups of galaxies. This structure cannot be explained by conventional theories and forces astronomers to rethink formation scenarios for quasars.
Cosmic Himalayas quasar cluster defies explanation
A newly discovered cluster of eleven quasars has shattered the previous record, with the Cosmic Himalayas forming a boundary between galaxy groups. This structure forces astronomers to rethink quasar formation scenarios, leading to new theories and potential insights into the evolution of the Universe.
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.
Astrophysicist searches for gravitational waves in new way
Astrophysicist Jeremy Darling is pursuing a new method to measure the universe's gravitational wave background by analyzing the motion of quasars. His research could unravel the physics of gravity and help scientists understand galaxy evolution and fundamental assumptions about gravity.
Gemini North teams up with LOFAR to reveal largest radio jet ever seen in the early universe
Scientists have discovered a distant, two-lobed radio jet that spans an astonishing 200,000 light-years at least, twice the width of the Milky Way. The team used a combination of telescopes to detect the jet and measure its properties, including the mass of the quasar producing it.
This quasar may have helped turn the lights on for the universe
Astronomers have detected a supermassive black hole with a jet pointed towards Earth in the first billion years of the universe. The discovery offers crucial information for studying reionization and could point to other supermassive black hole candidates from the early universe.
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.
The carbon in our bodies probably left the galaxy and came back on cosmic ‘conveyer belt’
A team of scientists found that carbon and other star-formed atoms don't just drift through space, but are pushed out by giant currents into intergalactic space. These atoms can eventually be pulled back in to form new stars, planets, and moons.
NASA’s Hubble takes the closest-ever look at a quasar
Astronomers have used the Hubble Space Telescope to study a quasar up close, revealing complex structures around a supermassive black hole. The observations show a mysterious L-shaped filamentary structure and small satellite galaxies falling into the black hole, offering insights into quasar formation and galaxy interactions.
Unlocking the secrets of the first quasars: how they defy the laws of physics to grow
Researchers analyzed 21 distant quasars to find a connection between X-ray emission and wind speed, indicating rapid accretion of matter. This study challenges physics limits and provides insights for future X-ray missions.
DECam confirms that early-universe quasar neighborhoods are indeed cluttered
A new study using the Dark Energy Camera has found that early-universe quasars have surrounding companion galaxies within a distance of 15 million light-years, which is consistent with expectations. However, the team also discovered that there are no companion galaxies within 60 million light-years of the quasar.
Dancing galaxies make a monster at the cosmic dawn
A team of researchers observed two galaxies merging 12.8 billion years ago, forming a massive object that triggered rapid growth of supermassive black holes and starburst activity. The discovery provides new insights into galaxy/black hole formation in the early Universe.
Dancing galaxies make a monster at the cosmic dawn
A team of researchers used ALMA to study the earliest known pair of close quasars, discovering that they are merging and will form a super-bright monster galaxy. The merger is expected to trigger a rapid increase in star formation, creating a 'starburst' effect.
Earliest twin quasars irradiated young universe
Astronomers found the earliest pair of quasars, revealing a bridge of gas between merging galaxies at 900 million years after the Big Bang. This discovery clarifies the role of galaxy mergers and black hole activity in the Universe's evolution.
International Gemini Observatory and Subaru combine forces to discover first ever pair of merging quasars at cosmic dawn
The International Gemini Observatory and Subaru Telescope have discovered the most distant pair of merging quasars, seen only 900 million years after the Big Bang. The team used follow-up spectroscopy to confirm the nature of the quasar pair and their host galaxies.
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.
'Hunting for treasures' with AI: Astronomers detect rare neutral atomic-carbon absorbers with deep neural network
An international team used deep learning neural networks to identify rare weak signals in quasar spectral data. They discovered 107 extremely rare neutral carbon absorbers, doubling the number of samples found in 2015, and detected more faint signals than before.
MIT astronomers observe elusive stellar light surrounding ancient quasars
Astronomers have observed the faint light from stars in the host galaxies of three ancient quasars, revealing clues to how the earliest supermassive black holes and galaxies evolved. The study suggests that some of the earliest
Largest-ever map of universe’s active supermassive black holes released
Astronomers have charted the largest-ever volume of the universe with a new map of active supermassive black holes, logging 1.3 million quasars in space and time. This map allows scientists to study dark matter and the universe's expansion by comparing distant quasars and their host galaxies.
Baby quasars: Growing supermassive black holes
Astronomers discover tiny, red versions of massive black holes that could change our understanding of their origins. The 'baby quasars' are small-scale black holes with masses between ten and a hundred million solar masses, observed using the James Webb Space Telescope.
Astronomers detect an extremely red supermassive black hole in the early universe growing in the shadows
A team of astronomers has detected a gravitationally lensed supermassive black hole in the early universe, which was found to be significantly more massive than its host galaxy. The discovery, made using images from the James Webb Space Telescope, revealed the black hole's unique red color and confirmed it as a supermassive black hole.
Brightest and fastest-growing: astronomers identify record-breaking quasar
The discovery of J0529-4351 reveals the most luminous object in the known Universe, with a mass of 17 billion Suns and an accretion disc seven light-years in diameter. The quasar's brightness surpasses that of 500 trillion Suns, providing valuable insights into supermassive black holes and their role in shaping the early Universe.
Gas on the run – ALMA spots the shadow of a molecular outflow from a quasar when the Universe was less than one billion years old
Researchers observed molecular gas outflow from quasar J2054-0005 using ALMA, revealing suppression of star formation in its host galaxy. The findings confirm theoretical predictions and provide strong evidence for powerful molecular gas outflows in early Universe quasars.
Unexpected chemistry reveals cosmic star factories´ secrets
Astronomers studying two distant galaxies in the early universe reveal unprecedented molecular diversity, shedding light on the lives of prodigious star factories. By analyzing light from over 13 molecules, researchers gain insights into the physical and chemical conditions in these galaxies.
New red galaxies turn out to be already known blue galaxies
Researchers discover extremely red objects (EROs) in James Webb Space Telescope data that resemble blue-excess dust obscured galaxies (BluDOGs) found in Subaru Telescope data. The similarity suggests EROs and BluDOGs may be at similar stages of evolution, with a larger sample needed to confirm the relationship.
New research shows quasars can be buried in their host galaxies
A new study reveals that quasars can be obscured by dense clouds of gas and dust within their host galaxies, rather than just the 'dusty torus' around the black hole. This phenomenon is more common in compact starburst galaxies with intense rates of star formation.
Hidden supermassive black holes reveal their secrets through radio signals
Astronomers discovered a link between dust surrounding supermassive black holes and radio emission in extremely bright galaxies. The study found that quasars with more dust were more likely to have stronger radio emission.
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.
Dark matter halos measured around ancient quasars
A team of researchers from the University of Tokyo has measured dark matter halo masses around ancient quasars, finding a consistent mass of about 10 trillion times the mass of our sun. This discovery suggests a characteristic DMH mass that activates quasars regardless of time period.
Researchers discover quasar-driven superbubble pairs
Researchers have discovered quasar-driven superbubble pairs, providing evidence for the outflow mechanism in galaxy evolution. These pairs, which extend over 60,000 light-years, are generated by quasars driving gas into intergalactic space.
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.
Astronomers identify the earliest strands of the cosmic web
Scientists discover threadlike arrangement of galaxies, anchored by a quasar, which marks the first time such a structure has been observed at 6% of its current age. The findings provide clues about the fundamental architecture of the universe and the formation of supermassive black holes.
Quasar ‘clocks’ show Universe was five times slower soon after the Big Bang
Researchers used quasar data to analyze time dilation in the early universe, confirming that it was running at five times slower. By observing nearly 200 quasars, scientists were able to standardize their 'ticking' and chart the expansion of space.
Starlight and the first black holes: researchers detect the host galaxies of quasars in the early universe
A new study detects starlight from two massive galaxies hosting actively growing black holes, seen less than a billion years after the Big Bang. The findings suggest that the relationship between black holes and their host galaxies was already in place 860 million years ago.
DESI data sheds more light on 3D map of cosmos, study of universe
The latest DESI data release provides a precise 3D map of the universe with high certainty. The data also sheds new light on cosmic acceleration and the nature of gravity at large scales.
An X-ray look at the heart of powerful quasars
A team of astronomers has observed the most luminous quasar in 9 billion years, shedding light on its interaction with its environment. The study found that the quasar's black hole is growing at a rate of 100 solar masses per year and emitting powerful winds into the host galaxy.
Astronomers reveal the largest cosmic explosion ever seen
The explosion, known as AT2021lwx, is more than ten times brighter than any known supernova and has lasted for nearly three years, compared to most supernovae which are only visibly bright for a few months. The researchers believe that the explosion is a result of a vast cloud of gas being violently disrupted by a supermassive black hole.
Astronomers solve the 60-year mystery of quasars – the most powerful objects in the Universe
Scientists have discovered that quasars are ignited by galaxies crashing together, a process that drives gas towards supermassive black holes and releases extraordinary amounts of energy. This finding provides a significant step forward in understanding how these powerful objects are triggered and fuelled.
Dual quasars blaze bright at the center of merging galaxies
Astronomers have discovered a closely bound pair of actively feeding supermassive black holes in the same galactic real estate, 10,000 light-years apart. This finding provides crucial information about the nature of cosmic systems on the verge of becoming giant elliptical galaxies.
Hubble unexpectedly finds double quasar in distant universe
Astronomers using NASA's Hubble Space Telescope discovered a pair of gravitationally bound quasars inside two merging galaxies when the universe was just 3 billion years old. The finding provides insights into early galaxy mergers and supermassive black holes.
Discovery of relativistic jets blowing bubbles in the central region of the Teacup Galaxy
Researchers found that compact, low-power jets can disrupt gas distribution and accelerate it, leading to unexpected turbulence. The study challenges previous beliefs about the impact of low-power jets on galaxies.
Tracing 13 billion years of history by the light of ancient quasars
Researchers studying ancient quasars have discovered a rapid increase in warm carbon around 13 billion years ago, potentially linked to the 'Epoch of Reionisation' and large-scale heating of gas. This finding provides new insights into the evolution of the universe's chemical composition.
New discovery sheds light on very early supermassive black holes
Astronomers have discovered a rapidly growing supermassive black hole in the very early Universe, which provides new clues on its formation. The galaxy, named COS-87259, contains over a billion solar masses worth of interstellar dust and is forming stars at a rate 1000 times that of our Milky Way.
International team observes innermost structure of quasar jet
An international team of scientists observed the narrowing of a quasar jet for the first time using a network of radio telescopes. The results suggest that the jet's narrowing is independent of the host galaxy's activity level, providing an important clue to understanding jet formation.
Unravel the mystery of the quasar’s "anisotropic" effects on surrounding gas
A team of researchers found that the internal donut-shaped structure of quasars can affect the ionization level of intergalactic gas in different directions. The study suggests that a dust torus is likely to be responsible for this anisotropic effect.
Breaking news from the dawn of the universe
Astronomers identify GNz7q, a dusty compact object with properties of both galaxies and quasars, born 750 million years after Big Bang. The discovery provides new insights into the rapid growth of supermassive black holes in early universe.
Hubble sheds light on origins of supermassive black holes
Astronomers have identified a rapidly growing black hole in the early universe, GNz7q, which is considered a crucial 'missing link' between young star-forming galaxies and the first supermassive black holes. The team used Hubble data to determine that GNz7q existed just 750 million years after the big bang, with properties consistent w...
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.
Colossal black holes locked in dance at heart of galaxy
Researchers have found evidence for two supermassive black holes orbiting each other every two years, with masses hundreds of millions times larger than our sun. The quasar's radio-light brightness exhibits sinusoidal variations due to the pair's motion, providing a nearly perfect light curve.
Cracking a mystery of massive black holes and quasars with supercomputer simulations
Researchers used high-powered simulations to study the mysterious process of gas flow across the universe, feeding massive black holes. The new method shows that strong gravitational forces from stars can twist and destabilize gas, driving sufficient influx to power a luminous quasar at galaxy activity peaks.
NASA's Webb will use quasars to unlock the secrets of the early universe
Scientists will use six distant quasars to study galaxy evolution, supermassive black hole formation, and gas in the intergalactic medium. The team will examine the properties of these quasars and their host galaxies during the first stages of galaxy evolution.
Seeing quadruple
The discovery of 12 quadruply imaged quasars using machine-learning techniques will help determine the expansion rate of the universe and address mysteries like dark matter. Quasars are extremely luminous cores powered by supermassive black holes, providing a way to probe the intermediate range of the universe.
Hubble spots double quasars in merging galaxies
The discovery of four double quasars offers insights into galaxy formation and the evolution of supermassive black holes. Quasars are brilliant beacons that can outshine entire galaxies, and their proximity in merging galaxies provides a unique window into the early universe.
Black hole pairs found in distant merging galaxies
Two close quasar pairs are found in distant merging galaxies, separated by just over 10,000 light-years. This discovery provides crucial insight into the existence of supermassive black hole pairs and galaxy mergers in the early Universe.
Most distant cosmic jet providing clues about early universe
Astronomers have found the most distant cosmic jet, providing insights into how galaxies evolved and supermassive black holes grew when the universe was only 780 million years old. The quasar, with a massive black hole 300 million times more massive than the Sun, has a jet of fast-moving particles about 1,000 years old.
USTC detects a sharp rise in detection rate of broad absorption line variations
Researchers from USTC detected a 'sharp rise' signature in detection rate of BAL variations, leading to ionized gas density determination. They found the detection rate curve could distinguish gaseous components with different densities, optimizing their method measuring gas density by trec.