Discover the Power of Ultrafast Outflows: Shaping the Evolution of Galaxies

Supermassive black holes (SMBHs) at the center of active galactic nuclei are known to emit ultrafast outflows (UFOs) - powerful winds that can reach up to 30% of the speed of light. These powerful cosmic winds are believed to influence the star formation process in galaxies and play a crucial role in shaping their long-term evolution.

The "Super Massive Black Hole Winds in the X-Rays (SUBWAYS)" project is an international research effort dedicated to studying these fascinating phenomena using ESA's XMM-Newton Space Telescope. The initial results of this project have recently been published in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics, highlighting X-ray spectroscopic data on UFOs in 22 bright galaxies.

The SUBWAYS team used the X-ray Multi-Mirror Mission (XMM) to analyze active galactic nuclei (AGNs) for 18 days, observing powerful winds resulting from the extreme temperatures generated near SMBHs. Their analysis provided insights into space winds traveling at speeds ranging from 10 to 30 percent of the speed of light in about 30 percent of the AGNs studied.

These findings not only confirm the existence of ultrafast winds in a significant portion of active galactic cores but also demonstrate their potential to significantly alter the ecosystem of their host galaxies. As researchers continue to unravel the mysteries of SMBHs and their ultrafast outflows, our understanding of their role in shaping galaxy evolution will undoubtedly deepen.

References: Universe Today, Astronomy & Astrophysics

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