English 
Spanish 
5 min read
2 comments
Discovery in NGC 4945, caused by a supermassive black hole, helps scientists unlock secrets about the formation and evolution of galaxies. A fascinating story of modern astronomy!
NASA has made an incredible discovery that seems like something out of a science fiction movie: a real galactic fossil has been found wandering the universe. This cosmic relic is the result of a massive explosion in NGC 4945, a galaxy located in the constellation Centaurus, 13 million light-years from Earth. The event, caused by a supermassive black hole, is helping scientists better understand the formation and evolution of galaxies. Let's dive into this fascinating story that combines science, mystery and the secrets of the universe.
What is the “galactic fossil” and why is it so important?
The galaxy NGC 4945 is one of the closest to Earth with an active galactic nucleus (AGN), which means it has a supermassive black hole at its center. This black hole, with a mass equivalent to 1,6 million Suns, is in a state of “feeding frenzy”, sucking in everything around it and emitting gigantic amounts of energy.
This process generates winds and jets of particles that can shape the galaxy and profoundly impact its structure. Most impressively, the black hole's activity resulted in an explosion of cold gas that created what is now called a galactic fossil.
- After Mark Zuckerberg promises technology that can replace cell phones, the company presents a device that not even Google, Apple or Google have yet achieved
- US shocks world by announcing ban on sales of cars with Chinese or Russian technology
- China takes drastic decision and restricts global export of strategic products used in civil and military spheres
- Elon Musk's Starship Explodes Over the Caribbean, Creating a Spectacle of Burning Debris in the Sky
A trace of cosmic eruptions
Five million years ago, a massive eruption blasted cold gas outward from the confines of NGC 4945. This event not only triggered a period of intense star formation, but also created a jet of particles that propelled the gas to impressive distances.
One of the most striking discoveries was the presence of the iron K-alpha line, a high-energy signature that indicates the interaction of cold gas with reflected light from the black hole.
The line has been detected at distances of up to 32.000 light-years, something never before observed in any other galaxy. For scientists, this galactic fossil is a window into the past, showing how black holes can shape their surroundings in unexpected ways.
The impact of black holes on star formation
Os scientists discovered that despite their destructive nature, black holes also play a crucial role in star formation. In NGC 4945, the explosion of the supermassive black hole resulted in a star formation rate three times higher than that of the Milky Way. The galaxy currently forms about 18 stars per year, making it a perfect example of a starburst galaxy.
However, this intense phase of star creation does not last forever. As the black hole consumes the available cold gas, star formation will eventually slow down, leading the galaxy into a quieter phase of its evolution.
NASA Space Technology and Discoveries
To study NGC 4945, the NASA team used advanced telescopes such as XMM-Newton and Chandra. These instruments allow us to observe cosmic phenomena in detail, revealing how black hole explosions influence galaxies over time.
Research director Kimberly Weaver explained that studying a galaxy like NGC 4945, which is relatively nearby, offers a unique opportunity to understand how black holes are related to star formation. Continued observations of this galaxy provide valuable insights into galactic dynamics and the long-term effects of massive flares.
Why is this discovery revolutionary?
The scale of the event in NGC 4945 challenges current models of galaxy evolution. The fact that jets of particles can impact galaxies at such great distances suggests that black holes can influence much more than previously thought. Furthermore, the discovery of the galactic fossil reinforces the idea that these phenomena play a key role in controlling star formation and the transformation of galaxies.
Scientists believe that continued study of NGC 4945 could provide answers to even deeper questions about the universe. As the black hole’s activity eventually depletes the cool gas, the galaxy will enter a quieter phase. Tracking this transition will help researchers better understand the life cycles of galaxies.
Furthermore, this research sheds light on how extreme events in the cosmos can lead to the creation of new stars and structures. Each discovery brings us closer to unlocking the secrets of the universe and understanding our own place within it.
A new perspective on the universe
The discovery of the galactic fossil in NGC 4945 is more than a scientific milestone; it is a reminder of how the universe is constantly changing. Black holes, often seen as destroyers, also have the power to create, shape and influence entire galaxies.
With NASA’s advanced technologies and the dedication of researchers, we are just beginning to explore the complexity and beauty of the cosmos. And who knows? Perhaps the next great mystery of the universe is waiting to be solved in a galaxy not so far away.
Very interesting and for those who are passionate about the behavior of space
Excellent article