91av

Space

Spinning black holes are ultimate cosmic batteries

By David Shiga

21 January 2009

91av. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.

The MS0735.6+7421 galaxy has given up some of the strongest evidence for jets powered by spinning black holes (Illustration: NASA / ESA / CXC / STSCI / NRAO)

YOU wouldn’t want to be nearby when a spinning black hole lets rip. It now seems they can store and unleash the energy of billions of supernovae, with potentially devastating consequences for their host galaxies.

Many of the supermassive black holes that lurk at the centre of galaxies fire out powerful plasma jets that extend for millions of light years. Though the details of how these jets are produced remain murky,…

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox. We'll also keep you up to date with 91av events and special offers.

Sign up

To continue reading, today with our introductory offers

or

Existing subscribers

Sign in to your account
Piano Exit Overlay Banner Mobile Piano Exit Overlay Banner Desktop