OJ 287: A Fascinating Active Galaxy

The galaxy OJ 287 is one of the most intriguing active galaxies in the field of astronomy. Classified as a blazar, this type of active galaxy is known for its intense energy and brightness. At its center lies a supermassive black hole that attracts matter from the surrounding space and ejects some of it outward in the form of massive plasma jets filled with radiation, heat, magnetic fields, and heavy particles. In this article, we will explore the latest discoveries about this galaxy.

Details of the New Discovery

A team of scientists led by Dr. Efthalia Traiano from the University of Heidelberg has obtained a new and highly detailed image of the OJ 287 galaxy. This image reveals a sharply curved jet structure resembling a ribbon, providing insights into the formation and movement of plasma. Some regions in this jet reach temperatures of about ten trillion Kelvin, illustrating the immense energy released near the black hole.

Additionally, scientists discovered a new shock wave forming and interacting along the jet, linked to energy levels reaching a trillion electron volts observed in an unusual gamma-ray signal in 2017.

Monitoring Techniques Used

To obtain this stunning image, researchers used space-ground radio interferometry, combining a radio telescope in Earth’s orbit (the RadioAstron antenna aboard the Spektr-R satellite) with 27 ground-based observatories worldwide. By linking signals from these observatories, they created a virtual telescope five times the diameter of Earth. The exceptional resolution of the resulting image comes from measuring how light waves interfere, fully exploiting the wave properties of light itself.

Significance of the Discoveries and International Contributions

The interferometric image supports the hypothesis that a binary supermassive black hole resides within the OJ 287 galaxy. It also provides crucial information on how the movements of these black holes affect the shape and direction of the emitted plasma jets. Dr. Efthalia Traiano stated that the unique characteristics of this galaxy make it an ideal candidate for further research on black hole mergers and the gravitational waves associated with them.

Institutions from Germany, Italy, Russia, Spain, South Korea, and the United States contributed to this research, which was supported by various research and funding organizations. The study’s findings were published in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics.

Conclusion

The new discoveries about the OJ 287 galaxy reflect the progress in our understanding of active galaxies and black holes. Using advanced techniques like radio interferometry, scientists can penetrate the depths of the universe and uncover new secrets about complex cosmic phenomena such as plasma jets and gravitational waves. Research in this field continues to shed light on many cosmic mysteries, opening new horizons for a deeper understanding of the universe we live in.