Black Hole Jets Reveal New Insights into the Most Powerful Phenomena in the Universe

An international team of astronomers has made significant strides in understanding the mysterious jets emanating from supermassive black holes at the centers of galaxies. A new study, which observed 16 active galactic nuclei, focused on the jets of these incredibly luminous objects powered by supermassive black holes. Researchers were able to probe the innermost regions of these systems, revealing details about their structure and behavior that were previously inaccessible.

This research used the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT). The EHT is an array of radio telescopes scattered across the globe, working together to form a virtual telescope the size of the Earth, which provided the resolution required to study black holes and their jets.

Telescopes of the U.S. National Science Foundation National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NSF NRAO) played a role in this research, including data from the NSF Very Large Baseline Array (NSF VLBA) and the NSF Green Bank Telescope, which is a part of the Global Millimeter VLBI Array. The EHT includes the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) of which the NSF NRAO is a partner.

Read the full press release from the Event Horizon Telescope.

Black Hole Jets Reveal New Insights into the Most Powerful Phenomena in the Universe

More News From Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array

More News Related to Black Holes

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory is a facility of the U.S. National Science Foundation operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc.
	Founded in 1956, the NRAO provides state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community. NRAO telescopes are open to all astronomers regardless of institutional or national affiliation. Observing time on NRAO telescopes is available on a competitive basis to qualified scientists after evaluation of research proposals on the basis of scientific merit, the capability of the instruments to do the work, and the availability of the telescope during the requested time. NRAO also provides both formal and informal programs in education and public outreach for teachers, students, the general public, and the media.
	The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency created by Congress in 1950 "to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; to secure the national defense..."
	AUI collaborates with the scientific community and research sponsors to plan, build, and operate cutting-edge facilities. We cultivate excellence, deliver value, enhance education, and engage the public.