XRISM Spacecraft Observes Monster Black Hole Firing Cosmic Bullets Into Starburst Galaxy

Using the XRISM X-ray spacecraft astronomers have observed a monster black hole spring back to life in a starburst galaxy.

The supermassive black hole IRAS 05189-2524 is emitting bullet-like outflows at speeds up to around 14% of the speed of light carrying energy 100 times greater than slower molecular winds in the galaxy.

The observations by the XRISM (X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission) spacecraft reveal how the black hole is impacting the evolution of its host galaxy through these powerful outflows.

XRISM is a joint mission between JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) and NASA that observes the X-ray universe with high-resolution spectroscopy.