A recent image of the black hole at the center of our Milky Way galaxy, known as Sagittarius A* (Sgr A*), hints at the presence of a jet emanating from its core. Unlike the dramatic jets observed in other galaxies, this potential jet from Sgr A* appears to be more subdued.
Released today by the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT), the image captured polarized light, unveiling magnetic field lines surrounding the black hole. Although the image does not directly depict the jet itself, the presence of strong magnetic fields is believed to play a crucial role in its formation.
While no previous observations have detected a jet from Sgr A*, the striking similarity between the new image and a previous polarized image of the black hole in the M87 galaxy raises intriguing possibilities. Despite being significantly smaller than the M87 black hole, Sgr A* shares resemblances, suggesting the Milky Way might harbor a jet as well.
Researchers anticipate that future advancements in the EHT technology will enable them to further explore and potentially confirm the existence of the jet. Such a discovery would offer astronomers a rare opportunity to closely examine the mechanisms by which supermassive black holes propel particles into vast, high-energy magnetic fountains—an aspect of black hole behavior that remains shrouded in mystery.
More: https://www.science.org/content/article/black-hole-center-milky-way-may-be-blasting-out-jet
