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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.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 17, 2021

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.

A most distant signal

A team of scientists has discovered the most distant quasar ever observed, J0313-1806, which is also the earliest known quasar in the universe. The quasar is powered by a supermassive black hole weighing over 1.6 billion times the mass of the Sun.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJan 15, 2021

Astronomical instrument hunts for ancient metal

Researchers have developed a new instrument that can analyze the chemical signatures of distant quasars, providing insight into the origins of metals like iron. By studying these ancient galactic cores, scientists hope to refine their understanding of the early universe and its role in forming the elements necessary for life.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateNov 30, 2020

Beacon from the early universe

The discovery of Po?niua??ena, the second-most distant quasar, sheds light on the formation of massive black holes and galaxies in the young universe. The quasar's existence challenges current theories, requiring a new mechanism to explain its massive size formed so early in the universe's history.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJun 26, 2020

Nahum Arav part of team to discover quasar tsunamis

A team of astronomers led by Nahum Arav has discovered the most energetic outflows ever witnessed in the universe, which tear across interstellar space like cosmic tsunamis. These quasar outflows accelerate material to breathtaking velocities, carrying hundreds of solar masses of material each year and pushing galaxies' formation forward.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series·DateMar 19, 2020

Astronomers reveal true colors of evolving galactic beasts

Researchers at Durham University have spotted a brief transition phase in the development of quasars, challenging conventional views on red quasar color. The team believes this phase is caused by a violent ejection of energy from supermassive black holes, blowing away dust and gas to reveal blue quasars.

SourceDurham University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateAug 7, 2019

Lightening up dark galaxies

A team of astronomers has identified at least six strong candidates for dark galaxies by leveraging the ultraviolet light from quasars to 'illuminate' gas in the intergalactic medium. The discovery could help fill a gap in our understanding of galaxy evolution, as it provides direct evidence for the existence of dark galaxies.

Scientists use mismatch in telescopic data to get a handle on quasars and their 'tails'

Researchers have gained a better understanding of the structure of hot jets and accretion disks surrounding black holes at the center of galaxies. They compared data from radio interferometry and Gaia space observatory, discovering discrepancies in object positions that revealed bright jets emitting visible light in many quasars.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateSep 12, 2017