Black hole jets extend beyond galaxy edges and limit star formation
Astronomers Sanchayeeta Borthakur and Namrata Roy report that supermassive black hole jets reach far past visible galaxies to regulate gas cooling.
Gas reservoirs surround large galaxies
Every major galaxy contains a vast envelope of gas known as the circumgalactic medium. This material stretches ten to twenty times wider than the visible part of the galaxy. The gas eventually cools and moves inward to create new stars.
Jets disrupt fuel for stars
New research shows narrow streams of heated plasma blast from black holes at galaxy centers. These jets travel outward and affect the gas located beyond the visible edge of the galaxy. The process prevents the surrounding material from cooling down enough to form additional stars.
Study solves long mystery
The findings explain why galaxies do not contain even more stars despite abundant fuel. Researchers published their results in the Astrophysical Journal Letters. This work clarifies how black holes influence the evolution of their host galaxies.
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