Milky Way may develop energetic jets like distant galaxy

Astronomers have made a surprising discovery about a distant spiral galaxy that could change how we understand galaxies, including our own Milky Way. The galaxy, named 2MASX J23453268−0449256, is nearly 1 billion light-years away and has a supermassive black hole at its center, which is billions of times more massive than the sun. This black hole produces massive radio jets that stretch 6 million light-years, a phenomenon usually seen in elliptical galaxies, not spirals. The research, led by a team from CHRIST University in Bangalore, suggests that if a spiral galaxy can maintain its structure while hosting such powerful jets, our Milky Way might face similar risks in the future. Increased cosmic radiation from these jets could threaten life on Earth by impacting the atmosphere and increasing mutation rates. The study, published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, reveals that 2MASX J23453268−0449256 has retained its shape with well-defined spiral arms despite the extreme conditions. This galaxy is surrounded by hot, X-ray-emitting gas, which adds to its mystery. The black hole at its center prevents new stars from forming even with plenty of available material. Currently, the Milky Way has a smaller black hole at its center, called Sagittarius A*, which is in a quiet state. However, researchers warn that interactions with gas clouds or stars could trigger powerful jet activity similar to that seen in the distant galaxy. Such jets could severely impact conditions in our solar system. The team also noted that the distant galaxy contains ten times more dark matter than the Milky Way, which is crucial for its stability. This research could provide insights into dark matter and the evolution of galaxies, highlighting the ongoing mysteries within the universe.