NASA snaps photo of supermassive black hole aiding star formation in galaxy cluster

NASA spotted a supermassive black hole contributing to the formation of new stars inside a galaxy cluster

For the first time, NASA was able to witness how a supermassive black hole can contribute to the formation of new stars in a galaxy cluster. The agency was able to capture the rare phenomenon using data obtained by the Hubble Space Telescope and the Chandra X-Ray Observatory.

Through these facilities, the space research organization was able to get a closer look at a large cluster of galaxies known as the Phoenix Cluster. As its name suggests, the Phoenix Cluster features a collection of galaxies bound together by gravity. According to NASA, this cluster is located around 5.8 billion light-years from Earth's neighborhood.

Phoenix Cluster
The Phoenix Cluster captured by NASA's Hubble Space Telescope and Chandra X-ray Observatory NASA/CXC/SAO/G.Schellenberger et al

Star Formations And Galaxy Clusters

As previous reports have revealed, some of the biggest supermassive black holes can be found inside galaxy clusters. Similarly, these clusters are also regarded as one of the most massive cosmic objects in space. However, despite their size, most galaxy clusters do not have active star-forming regions.

This is mainly due to the presence of supermassive black holes. According to astronomers, these massive cosmic objects constantly pump out high-energy particles into their surrounding galaxies. As a result, these particles keep the clouds of gas within the galaxies too warm for stars to begin formation.

Spotting Star Formations In Phoenix Cluster

In a surprising discovery, NASA spotted active star formations within the Phoenix Cluster. Through Hubble and Chandra, the agency was able to closely observe the cluster. They then learned that the cluster's supermassive black hole was actually helping in the formation of new stars instead of preventing it.

"This is a phenomenon that astronomers had been trying to find for a long time," researcher Michael McDonald, an astronomer at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, said in a statement. "This cluster demonstrates that, in some instances, the energetic output from a black hole can actually enhance cooling, leading to dramatic consequences."

Astronomers found evidence that the corona of a black hole is what drives its evolution. Pictured: A composite X-ray (blue), radio (pink and green), and optical (orange and yellow) image of the galaxy Centaurus A is shown in this image from space. A broad
Astronomers found evidence that the corona of a black hole is what drives its evolution. Pictured: A composite X-ray (blue), radio (pink and green), and optical (orange and yellow) image of the galaxy Centaurus A is shown in this image from space. A broad band of dust and cold gas is bisected at an angle by opposing jets of high-energy particles blasting away from the supermassive black hole in the nucleus. The arcs of multimillion-degree gas appear to be part of a projected ring 25,000 light years in diameter. The size and location of the ring indicates that it may have been produced in a titanic explosion that occurred about ten million years ago. NASA

Role Of Phoenix Cluster's Supermassive Black Hole

Unlike in other galaxy clusters, NASA's researchers learned that the supermassive black hole of the Phoenix Cluster is actually weaker and less active. Because of this, it is not able to emit enough particles to keep the gas within warm. The researchers believe this cool environment led to the formation of active star-forming regions within the cluster.

"Imagine running an air-conditioner in your house on a hot day, but then starting a wood fire. Your living room can't properly cool down until you put out the fire," researcher Brian McNamara of the University of Waterloo in Canada explained. "Similarly, when a black hole's heating ability is turned off in a galaxy cluster, the gas can then cool," he further added.

Related topics : Nasa Space
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