Astronomers made an important breakthrough by identifying powerful and structured magnetic fields at the periphery of the black hole Sagittarius A (Sgr A), situated at the core of the Milky Way galaxy. This finding enhances our knowledge about black hole makeup, indicating that strong magnetism is likely a common trait among all black holes across the universe.
Astronomers have discovered a magnetic field within a black hole.
The finding was made using a picture captured by the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) and was documented in two articles in The Astrophysical Journal Letters.
Sgr A, a black hole situated approximately 27,000 light-years away from Earth, was found to possess a magnetic field comparable to that of M87, another massive black hole located in the Messier 87 galaxy. This indicates that robust magnetic fields may be prevalent in black holes regardless of their size or location.
X (formerly Twitter) announced the latest development by Event Horizon’s team.
Breaking news: the Event Horizon Telescope team unveils strong magnetic fields spiraling at the edge of Milky Way’s central black hole, Sagittarius A*. This new image suggests that strong magnetic fields may be common to all black holes.
#OurBlackHole #SgrABlackHole pic.twitter.com/BV8eON4Jhc
— Event Horizon ‘Scope (@ehtelescope) March 27, 2024
The Event Horizon Telescope team has revealed powerful magnetic fields swirling at the perimeter of the central black hole in the Milky Way, Sagittarius A*. This latest picture indicates that robust magnetic fields could be widespread among all black holes.
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The latest update from the Event Horizon Telescope team shows significant magnetic fields swirling at the periphery of the central black hole in the Milky Way, Sagittarius A*. This discovery implies that robust magnetic fields might be widespread among all black holes.
Astronomers used polarized light to observe the magnetic field around black holes, but it is challenging to capture this light accurately due to the rapid movement of Sgr A.
Comparing data from various black holes is crucial for gaining a deeper insight into their functions, as noted by Mariafelicia De Laurentis, EHT Project scientist. The presence of robust magnetic fields in two black holes suggests this feature may be common across all black holes.
Previous studies have indicated that M87 has the ability to expel material jets due to its magnetic fields. The latest pictures imply that Sgr A may also have this capability, although confirmation is still pending.
The EHT project plans to keep monitoring Sgr A in April. They aim to gain further insights into the system and potentially uncover the concealed material jet close to the black hole. The project, which engages 300 researchers globally, is poised to deliver fresh insights on black holes.
