Fastest Ultraviolet Wind Discovered Near Supermassive Black Hole
Record ultraviolet quasar wind reaches 30% light speed near supermassive black hole
Phys.org
Image: Phys.org
Researchers from York University have identified the fastest wind near a supermassive black hole, reaching 30% of the speed of light, in the quasar J2318 located in Pegasus. This discovery, published in The Astrophysical Journal, sheds light on the dynamics of quasar winds and their impact on galaxy formation.
- 01The quasar J2318 features a black hole with a mass 1.7 billion times that of the sun.
- 02The wind from J2318 is categorized as a hurricane-level wind, reaching speeds of 30% of light speed.
- 03This finding is based on data from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) and confirmed using the Gemini North telescope.
- 04The research involved undergraduate students, showcasing the potential for early-career scientists to make significant discoveries.
- 05Extreme outflows from quasars like J2318 can influence their host galaxies, acting as a feedback mechanism in galaxy formation.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
A research team led by York University has made a groundbreaking discovery regarding the quasar J2318, which exhibits the fastest wind ever recorded at ultraviolet wavelengths, reaching speeds of 30% of the speed of light. This quasar, located in the constellation Pegasus, contains a supermassive black hole with a mass of 1.7 billion solar masses. The study highlights the unique dynamics of quasar winds, which are propelled by the intense light emitted from the surrounding disk of gas. The findings were published in The Astrophysical Journal, with significant contributions from undergraduate students involved in the research. The team utilized data from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS), specifically the SDSS-IV Time-Domain Spectroscopic Survey and the SDSS-V Black Hole Mapper, to identify the quasar's extreme wind. This discovery not only represents a significant advancement in understanding quasar dynamics but also emphasizes the role of student researchers in making impactful scientific contributions. The extreme outflows from quasars like J2318 are believed to have substantial effects on the galaxies they inhabit, serving as a critical link in understanding galaxy formation processes.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
What do you think about the discovery of the fastest wind near a supermassive black hole?
Connecting to poll...
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.




