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European Space Agency Observes Black Hole Emitting Record-Breaking Winds in Spiral Galaxy

European Space Agency Observes Black Hole Emitting Record-Breaking Winds in Spiral Galaxy

The European Space Agency (ESA) has reported a significant astronomical discovery involving a black hole within the spiral galaxy NGC 3783. This black hole, with a mass equivalent to 30 million suns, is consuming nearby material, resulting in the formation of an active galactic nucleus. This nucleus is characterized by its extreme brightness and the emission of powerful jets and winds. Notably, one of these winds has been measured at an unprecedented speed of 130 million miles per hour, which is approximately 20% of the speed of light. This phenomenon was observed by an international research team led by Liyi Gu from the Space Research Organisation Netherlands (SRON). The winds are believed to be generated by the untwisting of the nucleus' magnetic field, a process similar to solar coronal mass ejections but on a much larger scale.

Astronomers Document Unprecedented Black Hole Winds in NGC 3783

Astronomers Document Unprecedented Black Hole Winds in NGC 3783

Leading X-ray observatories XMM-Newton and XRISM have observed a unique event involving a supermassive black hole in the spiral galaxy NGC 3783. The black hole, with a mass equivalent to 30 million Suns, exhibited a rapid X-ray flare followed by ultra-fast winds traveling at 60,000 km per second. This phenomenon was captured over a few hours, marking the first time such rapid wind formation has been documented. The winds, triggered by the flare, resemble solar coronal mass ejections, suggesting similarities between black hole and solar physics. The event was studied using the European Space Agency's XMM-Newton and the JAXA-led XRISM mission, with participation from ESA and NASA.

NASA's XRISM Mission Opens New Opportunities for Astrophysical Observations

NASA's XRISM Mission Opens New Opportunities for Astrophysical Observations

NASA has released the final text and due dates for the D.3 XRISM General Observer (GO) program, part of the Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES) 2025. The XRISM mission, a collaboration between NASA, JAXA, and ESA, aims to study high-energy emissions from various astrophysical sources such as stars, supernova remnants, and galaxies. The program invites proposals for space science observations using XRISM, with deadlines set for February 27, 2026. The mission allows for joint observations with other observatories like XMM-Newton and NuSTAR, enhancing the scope of scientific research.

NASA Announces Final Text and Deadlines for XRISM Mission Proposals

NASA Announces Final Text and Deadlines for XRISM Mission Proposals

NASA has released the final text and due dates for proposals related to the X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission (XRISM) under the ROSES-25 Amendment 28. XRISM, a collaborative mission led by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) with contributions from NASA and ESA, aims to study high-energy emissions from various astrophysical sources. The mission will explore stars, X-ray binaries, and galaxy clusters, among others. Proposals for the XRISM General Observer program are due by February 27, 2026. The amendment also introduces opportunities for joint observations with other observatories like XMM-Newton and NuSTAR.

NASA Releases Final Text and Deadlines for XRISM Mission Proposals

NASA Releases Final Text and Deadlines for XRISM Mission Proposals

NASA has announced the final text and due dates for proposals related to the X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission (XRISM). This mission, led by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (ISAS/JAXA) with contributions from NASA and ESA, aims to study astrophysical objects through high-energy emission observations. The XRISM mission will explore a variety of sources, including stars, X-ray binaries, and supernova remnants. The announcement includes opportunities for joint observations with XMM-Newton and NuSTAR, allowing coordinated studies across observatories. Proposals for participation in the XRISM program are due by February 27, 2026, and include both Type-1 Phase-1 and Type-2 submissions. The mission is a collaborative effort involving over 70 institutions from Japan, the U.S., Canada, and Europe.

Record-Breaking Gamma-Ray Burst Detected, Possibly Linked to Black Hole Activity

Record-Breaking Gamma-Ray Burst Detected, Possibly Linked to Black Hole Activity

Astronomers have identified the longest gamma-ray burst (GRB) ever recorded, lasting seven hours, which may be linked to a black hole destroying a star. Detected by NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope, GRB 250702B stands out among approximately 15,000 GRBs due to its unprecedented duration and repeating explosive bursts. The event, originating from a galaxy billions of light-years away, offers a unique opportunity to study such cosmic phenomena. Researchers suggest the GRB could be the result of an intermediate-mass black hole devouring a star, marking a potential new form of cosmic explosion.

Astronomers Observe Unprecedented Black Hole Flare Triggering Ultra-Fast Winds

Astronomers Observe Unprecedented Black Hole Flare Triggering Ultra-Fast Winds

Astronomers using the XMM-Newton and XRISM observatories have documented a rare event involving a supermassive black hole in the galaxy NGC 3783. This black hole, located approximately 130 million light-years from Earth, emitted a sudden X-ray flare that quickly diminished, followed by the emergence of ultra-fast winds. These winds, moving at about one-fifth the speed of light, were observed for the first time forming in just a single day. The event was captured in real-time, providing new insights into the behavior of black holes and their influence on surrounding environments. The black hole, with a mass of about 30 million Suns, is part of an Active Galactic Nucleus (AGN), a highly energetic region that emits light across the electromagnetic spectrum.

NASA and ESA Capture Activity of Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS

NASA and ESA Capture Activity of Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS

NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) have released new images of the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, showcasing its dramatic activity as it approaches its closest point to Earth on December 19, 2025. The comet, which originated from outside our Solar System, has been observed by multiple space telescopes, including Hubble and ESA's Juice spacecraft. These observations reveal the comet's twin tails and a rich mix of organic molecules, such as methanol and hydrogen cyanide, which are associated with prebiotic chemistry. Despite its proximity, the comet poses no threat to Earth, remaining at a safe distance of approximately 170 million miles.

Astronomers Discover Spinning Cosmic Filament, Potentially Redefining Galaxy Formation

Astronomers Discover Spinning Cosmic Filament, Potentially Redefining Galaxy Formation

Astronomers have identified a vast cosmic filament, located approximately 140 million light-years from Earth, where galaxies are spinning in a manner akin to a teacup ride. This structure, part of the cosmic web, is composed of ionized gas and dark matter, and plays a crucial role in the formation and spin of galaxies. The filament, which stretches nearly 50 million light-years, was studied using the MeerKAT radio telescope and further observations from the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument and the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. The discovery of this filament's rotational motion challenges existing theories of galaxy formation, suggesting a more coherent transfer of angular momentum than previously thought.

Supermassive Black Hole Ejects Matter at High Speed in Magnetic Event

Supermassive Black Hole Ejects Matter at High Speed in Magnetic Event

An international team of astronomers has observed a supermassive black hole ejecting matter at speeds reaching 20% of the speed of light. The event, observed near the black hole NGC 3783, was captured using the XRISM space telescope. The ejection is believed to be caused by a process called magnetic reconnection, where sudden changes in magnetic fields release large amounts of energy. This phenomenon is similar to solar flares but on a much larger scale. The observation provides new insights into the behavior of black holes and their interactions with surrounding matter.

Astronomical Jets: New Insights into Their Laser-Like Concentration

Astronomical Jets: New Insights into Their Laser-Like Concentration

Astrophysical jets, observed across various celestial objects, are rapid outflows focused into narrow cones. These jets are seen in supermassive black holes, neutron stars, and young stars, despite their differing characteristics. Current research suggests that jet formation requires rotation and magnetic fields, which interact with surrounding conductive gas to focus the outflow. This phenomenon remains an active area of research, as scientists seek to fully understand the mechanisms behind these concentrated jets.

Subaru Telescope Identifies Brown Dwarf and Exoplanet, Offering New Targets for Study

Subaru Telescope Identifies Brown Dwarf and Exoplanet, Offering New Targets for Study

Astronomers using the Subaru Telescope have confirmed the discovery of two celestial objects: an exoplanet named HIP 54515 b and a brown dwarf named HIP 71618 B. These findings are the first confirmed results from the OASIS program, which combines data from ESA's Hipparcos and Gaia missions with Subaru's imaging system. HIP 54515 b, located 271 light-years away in the Leo constellation, has a mass close to 18 times that of Jupiter and orbits its star at a distance similar to Neptune's orbit around the Sun. HIP 71618 B, a brown dwarf, is situated 169 light-years away in the Bootes constellation. These discoveries provide astronomers with new targets for detailed study and are significant for future space missions, including NASA's upcoming Roman Telescope.