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Magnetic forces may explain why the supermassive black hole at the heart of the Milky Way is much quieter than its counterparts from other galaxies.
New observations, taken by NASA Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA), reveal unprecedented information on the strong magnetic field lines in the center of the galaxy.
The force of gravitational attraction of the central black hole of the Milky Way, known as Sagittarius A *, dominates the heart of the galaxy. In general, when the material falls into black holes, the dark giants emit high energy radiation it reveals their presence. Compared to the black holes observed in other galaxies, the heart of the Milky Way is relatively calm, emitting much less radiation than expected. Understanding how black holes interact with their magnetic fields can help scientists understand the difference between active and silent black holes.
Related: Images: Black Holes of the Universe
Whether they exist around refrigerator magnets or black holes, magnetic fields are invisible. To study those related to Sagittarius A *, the researchers used SOFIA, a modified Boeing 747SP. Specifically, they used SOFIA's newest instrument, the High-Resolution Wideband Airborne Camera (HAWC +), to track the polarized infrared light emitted by dust particles.
Since the dust grains are perpendicular to magnetic fields, astronomers have been able to map the shape and deduce the magnetic field strength around the black hole. Combining the new map with medium and far infrared images of Sagittarius A * revealed the direction of the magnetic field.
Part of the material of the ring of gas and dust is falling towards the black hole, the magnetic field also directs the material away from the hungry giant, researchers said.
"The spiral shape of the magnetic field drives the gas into an orbit around the black hole," said Darren Dowell, chief investigator of HAWC +, of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, in a statement. declaration.
"This could explain why our black hole is quiet while others are active," added Dowell, lead author of a new study reporting SOFIA results.
Sagittarius A * is the supermassive black hole closest to the sun and offers a good opportunity to learn about the mysterious giants.
"It's one of the first cases where we can really see how magnetic fields and interstellar matter interact," said study co-author, Joan Schmelz, astrophysicist at NASA Ames Research Center in California. "HAWC + is a game changer."
The results were presented at the 234th semiannual meeting of the American Astronomical Society, which was held this week in St. Louis.
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