On September 25, 2024, a team of astronomers released stunning new findings, revealing that jets of material emitted from a supermassive black hole are larger than even the biggest galaxies. Using data from the European Space Agency’s Gaia telescope, the scientists observed colossal jets of energy and particles streaming out from the black hole at speeds nearing the speed of light.
These jets, often referred to as relativistic jets, stretch across distances that dwarf entire galaxies, showcasing the unimaginable power of black holes. Located in a distant galaxy, this particular black hole’s jets measure thousands of light-years in length, pushing the boundaries of what scientists previously understood about black hole behavior.
The discovery offers new insights into the formation of galaxies and the role black holes play in shaping the universe. As telescopes become more advanced, scientists continue to uncover the mysteries of these cosmic giants, providing deeper insights into the universe’s most extreme phenomena.
