Faraway black hole unleashes record-setting energetic jets
The Hindu
Two mighty beams of energy have been detected shooting in opposite directions from a supermassive black hole inside a distant galaxy
Two mighty beams of energy have been detected shooting in opposite directions from a supermassive black hole inside a distant galaxy - the largest such jets ever spotted, extending about 140 times the diameter of our vast Milky Way galaxy.
The black hole resides at the heart of a galaxy about 7.5 billion light-years from Earth. A light-year is the distance light travels in a year, 5.9 trillion miles (9.5 trillion km). Because of the time it takes for light to travel, looking across great distances is peering back in time, with these observations dating to when the universe was less than half its current age.
Black holes are extraordinarily dense objects with gravity so strong that not even light can escape. Most galaxies, including the Milky Way, have a large black hole at their core. Some of these shoot jets of high-energy particles and magnetic fields into space from their two poles as they devour material such as gas, dust and stars falling into them due to their immense gravitational strength.
The two jet structures documented in the new study - using the LOFAR (Low-Frequency Array) radio telescope, a network of antennas centered in the Netherlands - extend 23 million light-years from end to end.
These super-heated jets, caused by the violent events around the black hole, are comprised of subatomic particles called electrons and positrons, and magnetic fields, moving at nearly the speed of light.
The researchers have nicknamed these two jets Porphyrion (pronounced poor-FEER-ee-ahn), named after a giant from ancient Greek mythology. Porphyrion is about 30% longer than the previous record-holder for such jets.
"Jet systems like Porphyrion appear to be among the most energetic spectacles that have occurred in the universe since the Big Bang," said Caltech astrophysicist Martijn Oei, lead author of the study published in the journal Nature, referring to the event that initiated the universe about 13.8 billion years ago.
Canada to impose 25% tariffs on $155 billion of U.S. goods if Trump's tariffs on Canadian goods proceed.
The city’s civic body is all set to serve notices for recovery of long-pending service charges for prominent government buildings in the city, including Vidhana Soudha, that houses the State’s Secretariat and has an outstanding of ₹6.3 crore, as per Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike’s (BBMP) data.
Over 4.27 lakh students begin SSLC and Plus Two exams in Kerala, with various subjects and exam centers.
Discussion on major development projects, including drinking water, drainage, and parking systems, at the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee meeting.
Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu has stated that Godavari Pushkaralu will be conducted from July 23 to August 3, 2027.
Rising obesity rates in India, particularly among women in South Indian States, highlighted with BMI data and PM Modi's advice.
Special educator Soumya Devadiga selected as coach for Indian team in Special Olympics Winter Games in Italy.
Gade Srinivasulu Naidu wins North Coastal Andhra Pradesh Teachers' Constituency election with overwhelming support from teachers.
Congress alleges BJP government in Madhya Pradesh plans to privatise 40% of forests, displacing tribals from their habitat.
Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi advocates renaming Indus Valley Civilization to Saraswathi Civilization, challenging historical narratives.
A study by researchers from NIMHANS, in collaboration with doctors from Australia, United Kingdom and some states in India, has found suicidal ideation and suicide attempts alarmingly high among college students across the country.
First trial run of disposing 10-tonne Union Carbide toxic waste in Pithampur begins after Supreme Court's decision.
Telangana tunnel collapse rescue updates: Follow the Hindu’s updates as Srisailam Left Bank Canal tunnel rescue operations enter the 11th day