Astronomers Track M87 Black Hole Jet Evolution with Chandra X-ray Observatory
An international team of astronomers, led by Ph.D. student Camille Poitras from Laval University, has achieved the most detailed X-ray observation yet of the jet emanating from the supermassive black hole within the M87 galaxy. Researchers combined data from NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory, collected between 2012 and 2025, with advanced image-processing techniques to monitor the evolution of the jet's structures with exceptional clarity.
An international team of astronomers, spearheaded by Camille Poitras, a Ph.D. student in the Faculty of Science and Engineering at Laval University, has successfully generated the most comprehensive X-ray view to date of the jet originating from the supermassive black hole in galaxy M87.
The team utilized observations from NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory. These observations were gathered over more than a decade, specifically between 2012 and 2025.
By integrating this extensive dataset with advanced image-processing methodologies, the astronomers were able to meticulously track the evolution of the jet's intricate structures at an unprecedented level of detail.
According to Phys.org, this effort provides new insights into the dynamics of astrophysical jets launched by black holes.
