How fast is a black hole? Now we know

• Scientists measure instantaneous power of black hole jets for once
• Cygnus X-1 jets reach 355 million mph, equal to 10,000 suns
• Findings help explain how black holes influence galaxy evolution

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — Scientists have successfully measured the instantaneous power of jets emitted from a black hole for the first time. An international

research team reported that the jet power from this black hole-star system is equivalent to that of 10,000 suns. The study, published on Thursday, also revealed that the jets travel at an astonishing speed of approximately 355 million mph (540 million kph), which is nearly half the speed of light. This black hole, known as Cygnus X-1, is located 7,200 light-years from Earth and is accompanied by a blue supergiant star.

Details of Cygnus X-1

Cygnus X-1, first identified over fifty years ago, is part of a binary system that features a black hole and a blue supergiant star. The distance of 7,200 light-years equates to nearly 6 trillion miles (9.7 trillion kilometers).

Steve Prabu from the University of Oxford led the research while at Curtin University in Australia, utilizing 18 years of high-resolution radio imaging data from a global telescope network. The findings offer new insights into the dynamics of black hole jets.

Research Findings

Prabu described the jets as 'dancing jets' that are propelled in opposite directions by the wind from the accompanying star. The research team calculated the jets' power based on their bending due to the stellar wind and computer modeling.

Prior to this study, the jet power of black holes had to be averaged over tens of thousands of years, limiting understanding of their immediate dynamics. A significant discovery from the research indicates that 10% of the energy released as matter falls toward the black hole is carried away by these jets.

Significance of the Research

The relatively small black hole in Cygnus X-1 continuously draws gas from its stellar companion, which allows it to launch jets. Prabu emphasized that these jets can enhance understanding of how black holes influence the formation and evolution of galaxies and cosmic structures through large-scale shocks and turbulence.

Prabu expressed enthusiasm for future research, stating, 'It would be exciting to measure jet power in many more systems.' This advancement could pave the way for a deeper comprehension of black hole mechanics and their role in the universe.