Baltimore, MD – Astronomers using the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope have made a groundbreaking discovery that suggests the presence of a supermassive black hole at the center of the Southern Pinwheel Galaxy, also known as Messier 83 (M83). This revelation was made possible by Webb’s Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI), which detected highly ionized neon gas, hinting at the existence of an active galactic nucleus (AGN) in the galaxy.
For years, scientists have been puzzled by the lack of evidence of a supermassive black hole in M83. However, Webb’s exceptional sensitivity and spatial resolution have now revealed signs of highly ionized neon emission in the galaxy’s nucleus, indicating the potential presence of an AGN. The discovery has challenged previous assumptions and opened up new avenues for exploration.
Lead author of the study, Svea Hernandez from AURA for the European Space Agency at the Space Telescope Science Institute, expressed her surprise at the findings. The energy required to produce these signatures is beyond what normal stars can generate, pointing towards the presence of an AGN that has remained elusive until now. The use of Webb’s mid-infrared observations has enabled astronomers to uncover hidden structures within M83 that were previously invisible.
Co-author of the study, Linda Smith of the Space Telescope Science Institute, emphasized the impact of Webb’s capabilities in revolutionizing astronomers’ understanding of galaxies. The detection of highly ionized gas near the galactic nucleus has provided a compelling clue that a supermassive black hole may indeed be present in M83. Follow-up studies using other observatories are being planned to further investigate the nature of the gas and confirm the presence of the black hole.
The results of this study have been published in The Astrophysical Journal, showcasing Webb’s ability to make unexpected breakthroughs in the field of astronomy. The team’s findings have opened up new possibilities for exploring black hole astrophysics and uncovering mysteries within galaxies. As astronomers continue to leverage Webb’s capabilities, the Universe’s most elusive secrets are gradually coming into clearer focus.