Black holes are astronomical objects that are as mysterious as they are fascinating. We know that they have a gravitational force so powerful that not even light can escape from them, and that some of the matter orbiting near their event horizon can be expelled in the form of jets of particles traveling at speeds close to that of light.
However, there is still much for us to learn. One of the major challenges is understanding the dynamics behind these plasma jets. Last year, an international team led by Chinese scientist Yuzhu Cui and including the Institute of Astrophysics of Andalusia (IAA-CSIC) made significant progress.
A black hole whose accretion disk rotation axis shifted
The researchers based their findings published in Nature on over 20 years of scientific data collected by the Event Horizon Telescope, a network of ground-based radio telescopes located in various parts of the world used to study the black hole M87 in detail, which was photographed in April 2019.
They discovered that the plasma jet emerging from the black hole oscillates up and down by about 10 degrees. According to the study, these findings confirmed that M87 is rotating and that it has a precession cycle of approximately eleven years, as established by Albert Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity.
The data, analyzed through a “state-of-the-art theoretical simulation,” suggests that the rotation axis of the accretion disk of the black hole has become misaligned with the spin of the accretion disk, resulting in the previously mentioned dynamics, a phenomenon illustrated in the computer-generated image on the cover of the article.
Graphic of the structure of a jet from M87
The paper also includes a graph of the structure of a jet using data collected between 2013 and 2018. The left corner of each image indicates the time period covered, while white arrows show the position of the jet in each subframe.
We now have a bit more knowledge about supermassive black holes, but, as we have said, there is still much to discover. Researchers do not yet have precise metrics regarding the structure of the accretion disk and the spin of M87. The good news is that research is ongoing, so we may soon be surprised again.
Images | IAA-CSIC
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*A previous version of this article was published in September 2023
Exploring the Mysterious Dynamics of Black Holes
Black holes are astronomical objects as mysterious as they are intriguing. Recognized for their incredible gravitational force, they possess a unique ability to trap not only matter but also light. Surrounding them, some orbiting matter is ejected in the form of plasma jets, moving at speeds approaching that of light, revealing the complex interactions at play in these enigmatic celestial phenomena.
Yet, despite our understanding, much remains to be uncovered. One of the significant challenges in astrophysics is deciphering the dynamics behind these plasma jets. Recently, an international team of researchers, led by Chinese scientist Yuzhu Cui and including members from the Institute of Astrophysics of Andalusia (IAA-CSIC), made significant strides in this area.
Understanding the Black Hole with an Evolving Accretion Disk
The findings were based on over two decades of scientific data collected by the Event Horizon Telescope. This set of ground-based radio telescopes is distributed globally and was instrumental in capturing the first-ever image of a black hole, specifically the supermassive black hole known as M87, which was photographed in April 2019.
The Oscillation of Plasma Jets
The researchers discovered that the plasma jet emerging from the M87 black hole oscillates up and down by approximately 10 degrees. This exciting data substantiates the theory that M87 rotates and undergoes a precession cycle lasting about eleven years, supporting Albert Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity.
Utilizing advanced theoretical simulations, the research team concluded that the rotation axis of the accretion disk surrounding the black hole became misaligned with the axis of the black hole’s spin. This misalignment leads to the dynamics observed in the jet oscillations, depicted in the computer-generated image featured in their published study.
Graphic of the structure of a jet from M87
Analyzing the Jet Structure
The research paper also presents a structural graph of the plasma jet, utilizing data collected between 2013 and 2018. The visualization includes timestamps, while white arrows indicate the jet’s position throughout various intervals, showcasing the dynamic changes of the jet over time.
Continuing Research and Future Discoveries
While our understanding of supermassive black holes like M87 has expanded, researchers acknowledge that specific metrics regarding the structure of the accretion disk and the black hole’s rotational spin remain elusive. The optimism within the community about ongoing research ensures that fascinating revelations about black holes could present themselves soon.
Benefits of Studying Black Holes
- Advancing Astrophysics: Understanding black holes challenges our current scientific models and pushes the forefront of theoretical physics.
- Technological Innovation: The technologies developed for black hole research lead to advancements in imaging and instrumentation.
- Worldwide Collaboration: The global nature of black hole research fosters international scientific collaboration, bringing together diverse minds to tackle complex questions.
First-hand Experiences in Black Hole Research
Many astronomers express a profound sense of excitement when discussing their work with black holes. They often describe late nights at observatories, analyzing data received from telescopes and engaging in spirited debates over theoretical implications of their findings. For instance, witnessing the first image of a black hole in 2019 was a landmark moment for many researchers in the field.
Related Findings and Discoveries
- Closest Black Hole Discovery: Recently, astronomers found the closest black hole to Earth, located only 18,000 light years away.
- First Real-Time Observation of Black Hole Activity: Astronomers are now able to observe a black hole awakening in real-time, shedding light on its dynamic processes.
Images | IAA-CSIC
*A previous version of this article was published in September 2023
