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Astronomers find universal rule for black hole jet timing

1 min
Astronomers find universal rule for black hole jet timing

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

Astronomers analyzing 20 tidal disruption events found that black hole jets emerge in two phases, with delayed jets starting when feeding drops to about 2% of the Eddington limit. The discovery links stellar-mass and supermassive black holes under the same physics. The rule will help predict jet timing and improve radio telescope scheduling.

Key Facts

  • Researchers examined 20 tidal disruption events and focused on 10 that could be reliably modeled.
  • Delayed jets begin when the black hole's feeding rate drops to about 2% of the Eddington limit.
  • The same critical threshold triggers jets in black holes of about 10 solar masses.
  • The Institute for Advanced Study stated the finding shows stellar-mass and supermassive black holes follow the same fundamental physics.

Two-Phase Jet Emergence

The team analyzed optical, ultraviolet, X-ray, and radio telescope data from 20 tidal disruption events. They focused on 10 events that could be reliably modeled. Jets emerge in two distinct phases: the first during extremely rapid feeding, and the second hundreds to thousands of days after the star is torn apart. The second phase begins when the feeding rate falls to about 2% of the Eddington limit.

Universal Threshold

The same critical threshold is known to trigger jet formation in black holes of about 10 solar masses. The Institute for Advanced Study said the finding shows stellar-mass and supermassive black holes obey the same fundamental physics rules. The ejected matter, described as a 'burp', does not escape from inside the event horizon but is flung from the black hole's surroundings as the star is disrupted.

Observational Impact

The new rule will allow astronomers to predict more accurately when delayed jets will appear. Radio telescope observing time will be used more efficiently. The effects of jets on galaxy evolution can be studied in greater detail.

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