NASA, using Hubble and Chandra, discovers a 'sideways black hole,' defying scientists' expectations

Researchers also identified a small, dusty disk near the galaxy's centre. Unlike the galaxy’s rotation, this disk spins at a 90-degree angle. This unusual alignment hinted at a toppled black hole.

Advanced Techniques Enable the Discovery
Alejandro Serrano Borlaff, Ames researcher, developed the analysis methods. His team used Selective Amplification of Ultra Noisy Astronomical Signal (SAUNAS). This approach identified faint X-ray emissions missed by older methods.

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To confirm the findings, the team examined archives from NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope. They also used data from the ALMA observatory in Chile. Observations showed NGC 5084 underwent significant changes in its past.

Insights into the Galaxy’s History
Pamela Marcum, an Ames astrophysicist, noted the discovery’s uniqueness. "Detecting double X-ray plumes is highly unusual," she said. Their cross-shaped structure offers new insights into galactic evolution.

Researchers propose two possible events disrupted NGC 5084. It might have collided with another galaxy, creating unusual X-ray patterns. Alternatively, superheated gas may have formed a chimney-like structure.

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Further studies are required to pinpoint the exact cause. The findings, published in The Astrophysical Journal, highlight the importance of archival data. They show how advanced analysis techniques reveal the hidden past of galaxies.