Overview

• The image, published in The Astrophysical Journal, identifies each black hole by its own compact radio jet.
• Researchers matched the resolved features to long-running orbital predictions after combining RadioAstron space baselines with ground VLBI data.
• A fainter, angled feature fits a twisting secondary jet expected from the faster orbiting companion.
• Reported metrics include an approximately 18‑billion‑solar‑mass primary, a roughly 150‑million‑solar‑mass secondary, and Doppler indications that the secondary jet moves at about half the primary's speed.
• Follow-up maps are in progress, with stronger confirmation expected from future high-resolution campaigns since current Earth-only arrays lack RadioAstron's resolution.