Dormant for 100 million years, this 'cosmic volcano' black hole has exploded back to life

After 100 Million Years of Calm, a “Cosmic Volcano” Black Hole Roars Back to Life (Representative Image: Canva)

Astronomers report that the supermassive black hole in J1007+3540 has restarted after nearly 100 million years of dormancy, launching powerful radio jets stretching almost one million light years. Published in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, the study used LOFAR and the uGMRT to capture detailed images of layered old and new plasma. The findings show how episodic black hole activity and intense cluster pressure shape the evolution and structure of giant radio galaxies.

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Astronomers have reported a restarted supermassive black hole in the giant radio galaxy J1007+3540, revealing how episodic jet activity and intense cluster pressure shape galaxies across nearly one million light years.

The findings were published in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. The study examined the distant galaxy J1007+3540. Researchers observed renewed jet emission from its core. The central black hole had been inactive. That quiet phase lasted nearly 100 million years. It has now reignited dramatically.

Images were captured using Low Frequency Array and Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope. These sensitive interferometers mapped large radio structures. The jets stretch almost one million light years. Scientists compared the event to a volcano.

Restarted Black Hole and Episodic Jets

Most galaxies host supermassive black holes. Only some produce extended radio jets. J1007+3540 shows repeated activity cycles clearly. Its core has switched off and on. Lead researcher Shobha Kumari described bright inner jets. She works at Midnapore City College. Surrounding them lies older plasma material. That fading cocoon marks earlier eruptions.

Co authors include Sabyasachi Pal, Surajit Paul and Marek Jamrozy. The team said layered structures confirm episodic activity. Younger jets pierce exhausted outer lobes. The pattern records past and present events.

Cluster Pressure Bends Giant Radio Galaxy

The galaxy resides inside a dense cluster. Hot gas creates enormous external pressure. This pressure exceeds typical radio environments. As jets push outward they encounter resistance. Observations show bending and compression clearly. The northern lobe appears strongly distorted. Plasma backflow curves under cluster influence.

Data also reveal an ultra steep spectrum. That indicates very old energetic particles. Researchers say the harsh environment aged them. A long faint tail extends southwest. Magnetised plasma appears dragged through space. This wispy trail spans millions of years.

What It Means for Galaxy Evolution

Systems like J1007+3540 reveal evolutionary processes. They show black holes restarting repeatedly. They illustrate jet interaction with hot gas. Cluster pressure can reshape entire morphology. Growth appears turbulent rather than gradual.

The team plans deeper high resolution studies. Future observations will probe the core. They aim to track jet propagation closely. The research received support from India’s Department of Science and Technology. Kumari acknowledged funding under the WISE Fellowship programme. Scientists say such galaxies act as laboratories. They help explain how galaxies awaken.