New images of M87*, one of the first black holes ever captured, reveal even more surprises. This black hole, located 55 million light-years away in the galaxy Messier 87, has shown unexpected shifts in its magnetic fields. These changes reflect in polarized light—where light waves align in specific directions.
Astronomers are eager to learn from these images. Sebastiano von Fellenberg, an expert from the Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy, suggests that we have only begun to explore the mysteries surrounding M87*. He believes that future imaging could look like a “movie,” taken once or twice a week, to better capture the rapid changes we observe.
The Event Horizon Telescope (EHT), a global network of radio telescopes, has provided images in 2017, 2018, and 2021. They have recently expanded their network by adding more observatories, enhancing their ability to study this enigmatic black hole.
With a mass over six billion times that of our sun, M87* is massive. The new polarized light data helps scientists understand its magnetic field structure and strength. Current theories suggest that these magnetic fields are embedded in a plasma disk swirling around the black hole, forming powerful “magnetic towers” that can propel matter to nearly the speed of light.
These jets impact star formation and energy distribution in the galaxy, influencing its overall evolution. Von Fellenberg highlights two key findings: while the polarization of light varied significantly, the total intensity of M87* stayed remarkably consistent. This suggests the gravitational influence of the black hole remains stable over the years.
One surprising discovery came from the polarization measurements taken in 2021, which showed a dramatic shift from earlier readings. This shift implies that the magnetic fields changed direction, which scientists are scrambling to understand. They have several hypotheses, including alterations in the magnetic structure or changes in how light interacts with the environment around the black hole.
In the ever-evolving field of astrophysics, this case study reflects how advanced technology and collaborative efforts can push our understanding of the universe. As more data is gathered, our grasp of black holes and their environments becomes clearer, promising exciting developments in the future.
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