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EHT Pinpoints Likely Base of M87’s 3,000-Light-Year Jet Near Black Hole

Analysis of 2021 VLBI data links the black hole’s ring to a compact radio region about 0.09 light-years from M87*.

Overview

  • Researchers report the connection in a study published January 28 in Astronomy & Astrophysics by the Event Horizon Telescope collaboration.
  • Using a global VLBI array with ALMA as a critical station, the team resolved fine-scale radio structure close to the black hole.
  • Brightness comparisons across spatial scales showed the ring alone could not explain all emission, revealing an additional compact source consistent with the jet’s base.
  • The result is described as an early but important step toward testing jet-launching models with direct observations.
  • Next campaigns aim for higher resolution and time-resolved imaging, with plans to add telescopes such as the Large Millimeter Telescope to sharpen views of the launch region.