NASA’s IXPE mission solves decades-old mystery behind Black Hole jets

NASA’s IXPE has identified the origin of X-rays in a supermassive black hole’s jet. (Image: NASA/CXC/SAO)

NASA scientists have solved a long-standing astrophysical mystery. The study explains how black hole jets produce powerful X-rays. This breakthrough comes from polarised X-ray observations. This resolves a debate lasting several decades in astronomy. The finding changes understanding of extreme cosmic environments.

The discovery was made by NASA’s IXPE mission. IXPE stands for Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer. Scientists worked with international research teams. Data was combined with Chandra, NuSTAR and Swift observatories. The mission involves collaboration with the Italian Space Agency.

The observation focused on the Perseus galaxy cluster. This cluster lies hundreds of millions of light-years away. Its centre hosts active galaxy 3C 84. A supermassive black hole powers enormous relativistic jets. The region is the brightest X-ray cluster in the sky.

IXPE observed the system for more than 600 hours. This was the mission’s longest single-target observation. It also marked IXPE’s first galaxy cluster study. The extended duration improved data accuracy significantly. Such long observations are rare in space astronomy.

Black hole jets accelerate particles near light speed. Their X-rays influence galaxies and surrounding cosmic gas. Scientists debated whether X-rays came from inside or outside jets. The answer affects models of galaxy evolution. Solving this mystery improves understanding of cosmic feedback.

IXPE measured the polarisation of X-ray light. Polarisation reveals the emission’s physical origin. Results support the synchrotron self-Compton process. Jet-produced photons collide with fast-moving electrons. This interaction boosts photons into high-energy X-rays.

IXPE is a joint NASA–Italian Space Agency mission. It studies extreme cosmic environments using polarised X-rays. The mission is transforming black hole and neutron star research. Future observations will test physics under extreme gravity. The universe just revealed another of its deepest secrets.