#supermassive-black-holes

All articles tagged with "supermassive-black-holes"

This artist's illustration shows a spinning SMBH at the center of its AGN. New research shows how AGN affect exoplanet habitability. The powerful energy can strip away atmospheres and ozone at great distances, shaping habitability in large portions of a galaxy. Image Credit: National Aeronautics and Space Administration / Jet Propulsion Laboratory-Caltech.

A new exoplanet risk factor: active supermassive black holes

New research argues that active galactic nuclei can strip atmospheres and damage ozone far from a galaxy’s center, widening the map of what makes a world uninhabitable.

Key Takeaways

A new study examines how active supermassive black holes affect exoplanet habitability.
High-energy output from AGN can strip atmospheres and erode ozone at great distances.

DT Editorial Team·May 24, 2026·via universetoday.com

Early super-quasars may explain why some young galaxies shut down so fast

New research argues that exceptionally powerful quasars in the early universe frequently drove galaxy-scale outflows strong enough to strip star-forming gas and help create the quiescent galaxies seen by JWST.

Key Takeaways

A Nature study says luminous early quasars frequently drove extreme galaxy-scale outflows.
The outflows may have expelled the cool gas needed for star formation.

DT Editorial Team·May 13, 2026·via universetoday.com

Galaxy Jet Wobble Drives Massive Gas Outflows, Study Finds

Astronomers observe a wobbling jet from an active galactic nucleus driving gas out of a disk galaxy, revealing how supermassive black holes shape their hosts.

Key Takeaways

Wobbling jet from supermassive black hole clears gas from host galaxy
Precession lets narrow jet sweep across wide volume like a cosmic fire hose

DT Editorial Team·Mar 5, 2026·4 min read·via science.org