A team of astronomers has made significant progress in understanding how supermassive black holes launch powerful jets into space using the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT). Led by Anne-Kathrin Baczko from Chalmers University of Technology, the research aimed to study the centre of galaxy NGC 1052. New measurements suggest that the final close-up of the black hole and the origin of its jets are within reach of the EHT.
The team used five telescopes in the EHT network, including ALMA in Chile, to make precise measurements of the galaxy’s central supermassive black hole. These measurements were supplemented by data from 14 other radio telescopes in Spain, Finland, and Germany. The research found that powerful magnetic fields build up around the black hole, which may help launch the galaxy’s powerful jets.
The discovery is significant because it provides insights into how black holes interact with their surroundings and how they accelerate particles to incredible speeds. The EHT Collaboration, a global team of over 400 researchers, aims to capture the most detailed black hole images ever obtained by creating a virtual Earth-sized telescope.
This research paves the way for further studies on the properties of supermassive black holes and their role in shaping the universe. By continuing to push the boundaries of EHT observations, scientists can gain a deeper understanding of these enigmatic objects and their impact on the cosmos.
Source: https://www.chalmers.se/en/current/news/oso-event-horizon-telescope-moving-towards-a-close-up-of-a-black-hole-and-its-jets