Short Wave Why Black Holes Are More Than They Seem
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Feb 4, 2025 Black holes are often seen as cosmic villains, but they have a surprising dual role. They not only consume matter but also spew out powerful jets, influencing the very structure of galaxies. The discussion highlights the impressive jets emitted by supermassive black holes, like M87’s massive black hole, showcasing their fascinating dynamics. Delving into the Blandford-Znajek mechanism, the conversation reveals how black holes can convert absorbed energy into powerful jets, shaping cosmic evolution and even impacting star formation.
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First Jet Observation
- In 1918, Heber Curtis spotted a "curious straight ray" emanating from M87.
- This "ray" was the first observation of a black hole jet, initially appearing as a bright streak.
M87's Black Hole
- M87 houses a supermassive black hole 6 billion times the Sun's mass.
- This black hole has an enormous jet whose origin is directly linked to it.
Jet Power
- Black hole jets are incredibly powerful, outshining their galaxies by over a thousand times.
- A small object like a black hole can produce immense power, similar to an atom's nucleus.