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Supermassive Black Hole Reawakens After 100 Million Years

1/17/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Astronomers observed a reawakening of the supermassive black hole in galaxy J1007+3540 after 100 million years, launching bright plasma jets.
The galaxy is part of a giant radio galaxy where older plasma lobes sit alongside younger jets, signaling episodic activity.
A detached plasma tail contains unexpectedly young electrons, implying a re-acceleration mechanism.
Researchers will use the Chandra Space Telescope to further study the system.

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Story summary

Astronomers observed a reawakening of the supermassive black hole in galaxy J1007+3540 after 100 million years, launching bright plasma jets.
The galaxy is part of a giant radio galaxy where older plasma lobes sit alongside younger jets, signaling episodic activity.
A detached plasma tail contains unexpectedly young electrons, implying a re-acceleration mechanism.
Researchers will use the Chandra Space Telescope to further study the system.