For decades, astronomers have puzzled over how black holes grow, feed, and sustain themselves. A new study has provided compelling evidence that these cosmic giants can actively contribute to their own feeding process.
Researchers analyzed data from NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory and the Very Large Telescope (VLT) to investigate how massive black holes interact with surrounding gas in galaxy clusters. The study focused on seven galaxy clusters, including the Perseus Cluster and the Centaurus Cluster.
The findings reveal that black hole outbursts do not simply push matter away but also contribute to cooling nearby gas. This cooling allows gas to condense into filaments, which flow back toward the black hole, replenishing it. The study challenged the traditional view that black holes only consume matter passively.
According to the proposed model, outbursts from black holes trigger turbulence in the surrounding gas, leading to the cooling and condensation of gas into narrow filaments. These filaments provide a direct pathway for matter to flow back into the black hole’s gravitational grasp, fueling an intense outburst and releasing powerful jets and energy waves.
The study also revealed that these gas filaments play a crucial role in star formation, as some of the cooled gas forms new stars. The researchers used advanced observational tools, including the MUSE instrument on the VLT, to construct 3D views of the distant cosmic structures, providing unprecedented detail.
The findings have significant implications for our understanding of galaxy formation and the broader structure of the universe. As astronomers continue to explore the nature of black holes and their interactions, studies like this push the boundaries of knowledge and open new avenues for research.
Source: https://www.earth.com/news/black-holes-seen-creating-their-own-food-gases-x-rays-fascinating-discovery