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International Team Observes Innermost Structure of Quasar Jet
Introduction
Quasars are among the most energetic objects in the universe, emitting vast amounts of radiation and jets of particles that extend for millions of light-years. These jets are thought to be powered by supermassive black holes at the centers of galaxies. However, the innermost regions of these jets have been difficult to observe due to their small size and distance from Earth. Recently, an international team of astronomers has made a breakthrough in observing the innermost structure of a quasar jet.
What is a Quasar?
A quasar is a compact region in the center of a galaxy that emits huge amounts of energy across the electromagnetic spectrum. They are powered by supermassive black holes that are millions or billions of times more massive than the sun. As matter falls into the black hole, it heats up and emits radiation, creating a bright, luminous object that can be seen across the universe.
The Study
The international team of astronomers used the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) in Chile to observe a quasar known as 3C 279. This quasar is located about 5 billion light-years from Earth and is one of the brightest and most variable quasars in the sky. The team used ALMA to observe the innermost regions of the quasar jet at a resolution of just 0.03 light-years.
Results
The team was able to observe the innermost structure of the quasar jet, including the location of the black hole and the region where the jet is launched. They found that the jet is launched from a region very close to the black hole, within just a few times the size of the event horizon. They also observed a series of bright knots in the jet, which are thought to be caused by shocks as the jet interacts with the surrounding gas.
Implications
The observations of the innermost structure of a quasar jet have important implications for our understanding of how these objects are powered. The fact that the jet is launched from a region very close to the black hole suggests that the black hole is directly responsible for powering the jet. The bright knots in the jet also provide clues about the physical processes that occur as the jet interacts with its surroundings.
Conclusion
The international team of astronomers has made a breakthrough in observing the innermost structure of a quasar jet using the ALMA telescope in Chile. Their observations provide important insights into the physical processes that power these energetic objects and will help to refine our understanding of how supermassive black holes and their jets evolve over time.
FAQs
What is a quasar?
A quasar is a compact region in the center of a galaxy that emits huge amounts of energy across the electromagnetic spectrum. They are powered by supermassive black holes that are millions or billions of times more massive than the sun.
How do quasars emit energy?
Quasars emit energy as matter falls into the supermassive black hole at their center. As the matter heats up, it emits radiation across the electromagnetic spectrum.
What is ALMA?
ALMA is the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array, a radio telescope located in Chile. It is one of the most powerful telescopes in the world and is used to observe the universe at millimeter and submillimeter wavelengths.
What is the event horizon?
The event horizon is the boundary around a black hole beyond which nothing, not even light, can escape.
Why is it important to study quasars?
Quasars are among the most energetic objects in the universe and provide important insights into the physical processes that occur in the centers of galaxies. Studying quasars can help us to better understand how supermassive black holes and their jets evolve over time.
This abstract is presented as an informational news item only and has not been reviewed by a subject matter professional. This abstract should not be considered medical advice. This abstract might have been generated by an artificial intelligence program. See TOS for details.