A supermassive black hole is displaying an unusually sustained and energetic outburst, becoming one of the most powerful observed objects in the universe. The phenomenon, nicknamed “Jetty McJetface” by researchers, began after the black hole devoured a star in 2022 and continues to intensify years later. This sustained energy release is unlike anything previously documented in similar events.
The Unfolding Event
The black hole, formally known as AT2018hyz, initially captured attention in 2018. In 2022, scientists observed it violently ripping apart a star—a process known as “spaghettification”—resulting in a massive jet of energy. While star-shredding events are not uncommon, the persistence and growing intensity of this particular jet are extraordinary.
Astrophysicist Yvette Cendes, who leads the research team at the University of Oregon, stated, “I’d be hard-pressed to think of anything rising like this over such a long period of time.” The black hole is now approximately 50 times brighter than it was in 2019, emitting energy equivalent to at least a trillion Death Stars from the “Star Wars” universe.
Why This Matters
This event challenges our understanding of how black holes behave after consuming stars. Typically, such outbursts diminish relatively quickly. The extended duration and increasing energy of “Jetty McJetface” suggest unique conditions within the black hole’s environment or a previously unknown mechanism at play.
The team predicts that the jet’s brightness will continue to rise exponentially until peaking around 2027. This provides a rare opportunity to study the evolution of an extreme cosmic event in real-time.
Directionality and Future Observation
The emitted radiation appears to be focused in a single direction, potentially explaining why the initial star consumption wasn’t immediately apparent. However, further data is needed to confirm this hypothesis. Fortunately, the jet is not currently aimed at Earth, though ongoing monitoring is crucial.
The sustained and growing energy output of “Jetty McJetface” highlights the unpredictable nature of supermassive black holes and underscores the need for continued observation to refine our models of these cosmic powerhouses.
