A groundbreaking discovery by NASA using data from the Hubble Space Telescope and the Chandra X-ray Observatory has unveiled a peculiar black hole in galaxy NGC 5084. This black hole rotates sideways, defying conventional expectations and reshaping our understanding of galactic dynamics.
NGC 5084, a relatively nearby galaxy, became the center of attention when astronomers identified an unusual phenomenon—a sideways-rotating black hole. Using innovative analysis techniques, researchers at NASA's Ames Research Center uncovered faint X-ray emissions that had previously gone unnoticed. The study revealed a rare and intriguing structure: four plasma plumes, two extending above and below the galaxy's plane and another pair forming an "X" within the galactic plane.
This cross-shaped plume structure is highly unusual and suggests that the black hole's rotation is misaligned with the rest of the galaxy, hinting at significant disruptions in its history.
The discovery was made possible through the Selective Amplification of Ultra Noisy Astronomical Signal (SAUNAS) technique, developed by Ames researcher Alejandro Serrano Borlaff and his team. By revisiting archived Chandra X-ray data, they identified emissions that were previously too faint to detect. To confirm their findings, the team cross-referenced data from the Hubble Space Telescope and the ALMA observatory in Chile, painting a detailed picture of NGC 5084's dynamic past.
Researchers propose two potential events that could explain the sideways rotation and unusual X-ray plumes. One possibility is that NGC 5084 collided with another galaxy, causing a dramatic realignment of its central black hole. Another hypothesis suggests that superheated gas may have formed a chimney-like structure, leading to the observed X-ray patterns.
The study also revealed a small, dusty disk near the galaxy's center that spins at a 90-degree angle to the galaxy’s plane, further supporting the theory of a toppled black hole.
This discovery highlights the importance of revisiting archival data with advanced analysis techniques. The unusual behavior of the black hole in NGC 5084 provides valuable insights into how galaxies evolve and respond to disruptive events.
Published in The Astrophysical Journal, this research underscores the value of innovative methods and collaborative efforts in uncovering the hidden past of the universe. Future studies are expected to delve deeper into the origins of these unusual patterns, further enriching our understanding of galactic phenomena.
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