supermassive black holes – Astronomy Now

Astronomers spot three supermassive black holes on collision course

30 September 2019 Astronomy Now

Astronomers using X-ray, optical and infrared telescopes have spotted three galaxies – hosting three supermassive black holes – in the process of merging.

Caught in the act: galaxies turning into quasars

19 September 2019 Astronomy Now

Astronomers have caught normally mild-mannered galaxies in the process of turning into quasars, a faster-than-expected transition that flies in the face of current theory.

Milky Way’s central black hole flares as it feasts

14 September 2019 Astronomy Now

Astronomers monitoring the supermassive black hole at the core of the Milky Way have noted three unprecedented flare ups this year as it gobbles stellar debris.

Hubble studies effects of monster black hole

5 September 2019 Astronomy Now

The Hubble Space Telescope observes the relativistic effects of a supermassive black hole at the heart of a face-on spiral galaxy where material in the core is whipping around at 10 percent the speed of light.

Star orbiting supermassive black hole again confirms relativity

29 July 2019 Astronomy Now

In yet another validation of Einstein’s theory of general relativity, precise measurements of a star’s light as it orbits the black hole at the center of the Milky Way show the predicted gravitational redshift.

Simulations tackle black hole-accretion disc alignment

10 June 2019 Astronomy Now

Complex computer simulations confirm long-held belief that the inner regions of a spinning black hole’s accretion disc are aligned with the equator.

‘Virtual’ telescope captures first direct image of black hole

10 April 2019 Astronomy Now

For the first time, astronomers have captured a direct view of the environment just outside the event horizon of a supermassive black hole.

Visualizing the chaos near the Milky Way’s central black hole

24 March 2019 Astronomy Now

A 360-dergree visualization of the Milky Way’s core from the perspective of its central supermassive black hole shows the chaotic motion of nearby stars and gas clouds.

Rumors of a quasar’s death may have been premature

21 March 2019 Astronomy Now

A voracious quasar at the heart of a galaxy 1.1 billion light years away is blowing huge bubbles in space, giving the host galaxy the shape of a teacup.

Astronomers find 83 quasars already shining in early universe

18 March 2019 Astronomy Now

Astronomers studying light from the extremely early universe have discovered 83 quasars, indicating supermassive black holes were commonplace early on.