Scientists have discovered a rare spiral galaxy that harbors a massive supermassive black hole billions of times the Sun’s mass. This anomaly challenges our understanding of the universe and raises concerns about the future of our own Milky Way galaxy.
The galaxy, 2MASX J23453268−0449256, is three times larger than the Milky Way and contains an enormous supermassive black hole at its center. Radio jets stretching six million light-years across are powered by this massive black hole, which is a rare phenomenon in spiral galaxies.
This discovery upends conventional wisdom about galaxy evolution and has significant implications for our understanding of the universe. If a spiral galaxy can harbor such extreme conditions, it raises questions about the future of galaxies like the Milky Way.
Researchers used observations from several telescopes to detect the supermassive black hole and radio jets in the galaxy. They found that the galaxy retained its tranquil nature despite hosting one of the most extreme black holes ever observed in a spiral galaxy.
The discovery also highlights the importance of dark matter, which is crucial for stability in fast-spinning discs like those found in spiral galaxies. The team’s study opens new frontiers in astrophysics and cosmology, providing vital clues about the unseen forces governing the universe.
While our own Milky Way has a relatively quiet black hole at its center, it could potentially generate large-scale radio jets in the future. If such events were to occur, they could strip away planetary atmospheres, damage DNA, and increase mutation rates due to radiation exposure. The impact would depend on the strength, direction, and energy output of the jet.
The discovery sparks concerns about the long-term fate of galaxies like the Milky Way and provides a new perspective on the nature of dark matter, galaxy evolution, and the origin of life.
Source: https://www.ras.ac.uk/news-and-press/news/cosmic-anomaly-hints-frightening-future-milky-way