AI Insight
Astronomers have observed a distant quasar emitting ultraviolet light winds at unprecedented speeds of approximately 30% the speed of light, the fastest such outflow ever detected in this wavelength. These extreme winds are generated by a supermassive black hole actively consuming matter at the quasar's center. If such winds existed on Earth, their force would theoretically equate to a category 79 hurricane, far exceeding any natural weather phenomenon on our planet.
Why it matters
This discovery helps scientists better understand how supermassive black holes influence their surrounding galaxies through powerful outflows that can regulate star formation and shape galactic evolution. The extreme velocities observed provide new insights into the energy transfer mechanisms between actively feeding black holes and their host environments.
Astronomers have discovered a distant quasar powered by a feeding supermassive black hole blasting out winds at record-breaking speeds for such an outflow seen in ultraviolet light, traveling at 30% the speed of light.
Source: These record-breaking black hole winds could create a category 79 hurricane on Earth