Hubble detects jets forming in a quasar for the first time

The stars have long helped mankind with navigation. Even today, they are used as a backup but reliable way of determining position. Modern technology has advanced so far that the U.S. Navy uses not only stars, but even quasars in navigation. These objects are distant galaxies with supermassive black holes surrounded by glowing discs of gas capable of ejecting powerful jets of matter – jets.

The Hubble Space Telescope shows a quasar with a spiral galaxy, contradicting typical expectations about the elliptical shapes of such massive cosmic structures. Author: SciTechDaily

U.S. Navy cadet Olivia Achenbach, studying data from the Hubble Space Telescope, noticed an unusual quasar J0742+2704 with a spiral structure – a phenomenon extremely rare for similar objects. The object was so unusual that the cadet at first thought she had made a mistake. 

“I was surprised by the clear spiral structure of the galaxy in the Hubble image. At first I thought it was a mistake. Quasars are usually found in old elliptical galaxies that have gone through chaotic mergers, but this object was an exception,” recalls Achenbach.

Quasar J0742+2704 in the centre. Image credit: NASA, ESA

“This is a rare case of a spiral-armed quasar having a black hole 400 million times more massive than the Sun and a young jet that we couldn’t see even 20 years ago,” notes astronomer Kristina Nyland.

Mystery of the formation of the jets

J0742+2704 violates the established ideas about the formation of quasar jets. Some scientists believe they arise when galaxies merge, but the spiral structure of this system hints at alternative paths. Although J0742+2704 retained its spiral shape, Hubble detected its interaction with other galaxies. One of the arms is curved, which may indicate the gravitational influence of another object.

Quasar J0742+2704. Photo: NASA

The image also shows a galaxy with a ring-shaped structure – probably the result of a collision between a smaller galaxy and a spiral galaxy. This may explain the formation of the young jets in J0742+2704.

“Twenty years ago, we would have spotted just an ordinary quasar. Now we realise that the object hides unique processes. It’s a reminder that it’s always worth continuing the search, because even familiar objects can hide unexpected discoveries,” says Achenbach.

Future observations with the Chandra X-ray Observatory and ALMA will provide more data.

Earlier we covered the history of the discovery of quasars.

According to science.nasa.gov

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