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Astronomers have taken a crucial step in showing that the most massive black holes in the universe can create their own meals. Using X-ray data from Chandra and optical light data, this study, based on observations of seven galaxy clusters in total, provides new evidence that outbursts from black holes can cool down gas to feed themselves. Massive galaxies at the centers of the clusters contain huge black holes that power outbursts in the form of jets, driven by the black holes feasting on gas. This image shows the X-ray and optical data of the Centaurus cluster from the survey.

Dusty filaments in NGC 4696

Astronomers have taken a crucial step in showing that the most massive black holes in the universe can create their own meals. Using X-ray data from Chandra and optical light data, this study, based on observations of seven galaxy clusters in total, provides new evidence that outbursts from black holes can cool down gas to feed themselves. Massive galaxies at the centers of the clusters contain huge black holes that power outbursts in the form of jets, driven by the black holes feasting on gas. This image shows the X-ray and optical data of the Centaurus cluster from the survey.

Image Credit: NASA, ESA/Hubble, A. Fabian

TakenDecember 1, 2016

Image CreditNASA, ESA/Hubble, A. Fabian

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