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In this video, the researchers explain in detail the method used to measure polarized light
Two years after the first direct image of a black hole was revealed, the collaboration behind this historic snapshot released an updated version of it, revealing the polarization of light around the object.
“Polarization is a powerful tool for examining physical conditions in one of the most inhospitable environments in the universe.”
O black holes They are difficult to distinguish, because the light itself cannot escape its intense attraction. But there is at least one way to distinguish your silhouette, thanks to the intense environment that these creatures create around you. When black holes attract large amounts of dust and gas, this material heats up and glows in what is called Accumulation diskLeaving a circular shadow in the center.
That’s exactly what the telescope cooperated with Event horizon (EHT) Captured in April 2019 by Now an iconic image A supermassive black hole appears in the center of the galaxy M87, Located on a block Virgin, About 55 million light years away.
For these new works published inThe Astrophysical Journal LettersThe scientists performed a tracking data analysis to measure the polarization of light through the cosmic monster’s ring. Since light is polarized as it passes through the magnetic fields around the black hole, measuring its direction allows us to better understand what is happening in this mysterious environment.
« Polarization is a powerful tool for investigating physical conditions in one of the most inhospitable environments in the universe. He explains Colin LonsdaleHead of the telescope plate Event horizon. « It can not only provide clues about the strength and direction of magnetic fields, but also how these fields are organized and perhaps even something about the invisible matter that exists between us and matter. The origin of radio waves. »
A better understanding of the formation of powerful plasma jets from some supermassive black holes
Specifically, the team sought to learn more about the powerful jets of matter that emit some of these supermassive black holes, a strange phenomenon for objects so voracious that they should logically absorb large amounts of matter instead of rejecting it. When observing the polarization of light closeEvent horizonThen, running the models to complete the best fit, the scientists found that the highly magnetized gas could explain these jets.
« The new polarization images indicate that the strong flux is formed by a plasma flux protected by magnetic fields aligned close to the black hole, neutralizing the force of gravity. He concludes Kotaro MoriyamaCo-author of the study.
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