Research has revealed that supermassive black holes, like the one in galaxy Messier 87, are linked to an increased rate of nova eruptions in nearby double-star systems.

These black holes consume nearby gas and stars, creating powerful plasma jets that shoot through space at nearly the speed of light.

Observations from the Hubble Space Telescope indicate that stars in close proximity to these jets are more prone to nova explosions—events triggered when hydrogen accumulates on the surface of a white dwarf companion, eventually leading to a massive outburst.

Interestingly, nova eruptions are nearly twice as common near the plasma jets of Messier 87’s supermassive black hole.

While researchers speculate that the jets may enhance the fueling process or even create new double-star systems, the exact mechanisms remain unclear.

The findings, reported by a team led by Stanford astronomer Alec Lessing, suggest that there is still much to learn about the interactions between black hole jets and their surroundings, as reported by Space.com.

This study highlights the significant influence supermassive black holes have on the activity and evolution of their host galaxies.

Written by Emily Begley