Strong magnetic fields around the black hole at the center of the Milky Way galaxy, according to a report published on Wednesday by European Southern Observatory astronomers.
In a recent image captured by the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT), a ring of magnetic fields surrounding the Sagittarius A* black hole has been observed for the first time in polarized light.
The ESO claims that since the magnetic fields around the M87* black hole, which is located in the heart of the M87 galaxy, are the same, strong magnetic fields may envelop all black holes.
As co-lead of the study, Sara Issaoun of Harvard’s Center for Astrophysics stated, “What we’re seeing now is that there are strong, twisted, and organized magnetic fields near the black hole at the center of the Milky Way galaxy.”
Polarized light images allow the astronomers to isolate the magnetic field lines.
Supermassive black holes, which sit at the center of galaxies, have masses millions and even billions greater than the Sun. They are believed to have emerged very early in the universe, but their creation remains a mystery.
Nothing can escape their gravitational pull, not even light, making them impossible to observe directly.
But with M87* in 2019 and Sagittarius A* in 2022, the EHT captured the halo of light that is produced by the flow of matter and gas that black holes suck in and eject.
Supermassive black holes are massive objects that are millions or even billions of times heavier than the Sun. They are found at the center of galaxies. They are believed to have emerged very early in the universe, but their creation remains a mystery.
Nothing can escape their gravitational pull, not even light, making them impossible to observe directly.
But with M87* in 2019 and Sagittarius A* in 2022, the EHT captured the halo of light that is produced by the flow of matter and gas that black holes suck in and eject.
A co-leader of the project, Angelo Ricarte is a member of the Harvard Black Hole Initiative. “By imaging polarized light from hot glowing gas near black holes, we are directly inferring the structure and strength of the magnetic fields that thread the flow of gas and matter that the black hole feeds on,” Ricarte said.
As a professor at the University of Naples Federico II in Italy and deputy scientist at the EHT, Mariafelicia De Laurentis stated that “since both (black holes) are pointing us toward strong magnetic fields, it suggests that this may be a universal and perhaps fundamental feature of these kinds of systems.”
“In the heart of our Milky Way galaxy lies a mysterious entity, a cosmic giant that has long captivated the imagination of scientists and stargazers alike: the supermassive black hole known as Sagittarius A*.”
“Recently, astronomers at the European Southern Observatory made a groundbreaking discovery. For the first time ever, they detected powerful magnetic fields surrounding Sagittarius A*.”
“Utilizing advanced imaging techniques, the Event Horizon Telescope revealed a mesmerizing ring of twisted and organized magnetic fields encircling the black hole’s event horizon.”
“What we’re witnessing is truly remarkable. These strong magnetic fields near the center of our galaxy provide valuable insights into the dynamics of black holes and their surrounding environments.”
“Black holes, with their immense gravitational pull, have long been enigmatic cosmic phenomena. Yet, thanks to recent advancements in technology, we’re beginning to unravel their mysteries.”
“In 2019, the Event Horizon Telescope made history by capturing the first-ever image of the black hole in the galaxy M87, known as M87*. And now, in 2022, it has provided us with unprecedented views of Sagittarius A*.”
Angelo Ricarte: “By imaging polarized light from the hot, glowing gas surrounding black holes, we’re able to directly infer the structure and strength of the magnetic fields that govern their behavior.”
Mariafelicia De Laurentis: “The discovery of magnetic fields surrounding both M87* and Sagittarius A* suggests that this phenomenon may be universal among supermassive black holes, shedding light on their formation and evolution.”
“As we continue to delve deeper into the mysteries of the cosmos, each new discovery brings us closer to understanding the enigmatic forces that shape our universe. The journey to unlock the secrets of black holes has only just begun.”
Najmak Sulthana