Astronomers have made a unique discovery: black holes are preparing food for themselves (photo).

Astronomers have demonstrated that the most massive black holes in the universe can create food for themselves. Using data from the Chandra X-ray Observatory and the ground-based VLT optical telescope, researchers have obtained new evidence that the jets from black holes can cool the interstellar gas that feeds them, according to NASA.

The astronomers observed seven galaxy clusters. At the centers of these clusters lie the largest galaxies in the universe, which in turn host the most massive black holes at their cores. Their mass exceeds that of the Sun by millions and even tens of billions of times. When supermassive black holes consume interstellar gas, a portion of it is expelled from the poles of the black hole in the form of long plasma jets.

The images below show the central galaxies of two galaxy clusters: the Perseus cluster and the Centaurus cluster. In the center, a bright spot of light is visible – this represents the environment of the supermassive black hole at the center of the most massive galaxy. The hot interstellar gas is shown in purple, while the cooler gas is depicted in pink.

The research findings confirmed the existing theory that jets from black holes cause the cooling of hot gas and the formation of narrow threads of warm gas. Turbulence within the gas also plays a significant role in this process.

According to the theory, part of the warm gas should flow into the centers of galaxies, where it is consumed by supermassive black holes, triggering the formation of jets. The return flow of warm gas causes the jets to cool the hot gas again, and the cycle repeats.

Scientists believed there should be a correlation between the brightness of the threads of hot and warm gas in the centers of galaxy clusters. In regions where the hot gas shines brighter, the warm gas should also be more luminous. Now, astronomers have for the first time discovered such a connection, which supports the existing theory.

According to the researchers, the study's results provide new insights into the nature of interstellar gas, which is crucial not only for feeding black holes but also for the formation of new stars.