NASA reveals how black holes sculpt galaxy clusters using X-arithmetic — See images here

NASA Reveals New Images Showing Black Holes Shaping Galaxy Clusters (Image: X-ray: NASA/CXC/Univ. of Chicago/H. McCall; Image processing: NASA/CXC/SAO/N. Wolk)

NASA has released a stunning new set of images. The visuals show how supermassive black holes influence massive galaxy clusters. The results reveal complex structures in hot gas across the universe.

Galaxy clusters are the largest objects held together by gravity. They contain galaxies, hot gas, and unseen dark matter. Many host central supermassive black holes with powerful outbursts. These eruptions create jets and bubbles in surrounding gas. Over time, the activity produces arcs, rings, hooks, and wing-like shapes. NASA researchers used a new processing method called X-arithmetic.

It allows scientists to study cluster features in fine detail. The technique separates lower-energy and higher-energy X-ray data for analysis. Researchers then classify structures into three types, which they colour differently. Yellow highlights jet-blown bubbles, blue shows slow-moving gas, and pink shows rippling sound waves or weak shocks.

The galaxy clusters captured in images by Chandra. (Image: X-ray: NASA/CXC/Univ. of Chicago/H. McCall; Image processing: NASA/CXC/SAO/N. Wolk))

The study highlights five major galaxy clusters, including Perseus and M87. Also featured are MS 0735+7421, Abell 2052, and Cygnus A. These clusters show cooling gas near their central black holes. Shock fronts appear only in some cluster regions. Galaxy groups differ, with multiple shock fronts and less slow-moving gas. Weaker gravity in galaxy groups makes them more affected by black hole feedback. These observations help scientists understand how energy from black holes heats surrounding gas. The images reveal dynamics that traditional studies could not show. This work provides insight into how clusters evolve over millions of years.

Chandra X-ray images of five galaxy clusters — MS 0735+7421, Perseus, M87 in Virgo, Abell 2052, and Cygnus A — reveal yellow jet-blown bubbles, blue cooling gas, and neon-pink rippling waves, illustrating dynamic processes driven by central supermassive black holes. (Image: X-ray: NASA/CXC/Univ. of Chicago/H. McCall)

NASA said the X-arithmetic technique could map physics of other cosmic structures. It offers a new way to track black hole impacts across time. Findings were published on Aug. 12 in the Astrophysical Journal. Researchers say the method may help study galaxy formation and evolution. By visualising subtle gas motions, astronomers gain deeper knowledge of cosmic forces. The study underlines the powerful role of black holes in the universe. Scientists hope future observations using X-arithmetic will uncover more hidden structures.