Researchers found that intense radiation from an active supermassive black hole can slow the growth of stars in its own galaxy and in neighboring galaxies millions of light-years away. A team led by a postdoctoral researcher reported the result in a scientific journal after studying a very luminous quasar.
The team used the James Webb Space Telescope to measure emission from ionized oxygen (O III), a tracer of very recent star formation. They compared O III with ultraviolet light and found that galaxies close to the bright quasar had weaker O III compared with their ultraviolet light. The researchers interpret this as a sign that recent star formation was suppressed, and they plan further tests in other quasar fields.
Difficult words
- researcher — person who studies science and collects dataResearchers
- supermassive — much larger and heavier than normal
- quasar — very bright object powered by a black hole
- ionized — atom or gas that lost or gained electrons
- emission — light or energy given out from something
- suppress — make something happen less or stop partlysuppressed
- ultraviolet — type of light with shorter wavelength than visible
- tracer — a sign used to show where something is
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How do you feel about the idea that a black hole can change star formation in other galaxies?
- Why do you think the researchers will test other quasar fields?
- Would you like to learn more about the James Webb Space Telescope? Why or why not?
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