Hubble Captures Black Hole Jet Triggering Stellar Explosions in M87 Galaxy

The 3,000-light-year-long plasma jet from M87's supermassive black hole is causing an unusual frequency of nova eruptions nearby, baffling astronomers.

Astronomers have observed a blowtorch-like jet of plasma from the supermassive black hole in the M87 galaxy, extending 3,000 light-years into space.
This jet, captured by the Hubble Space Telescope, is causing nearby stars to explode in nova eruptions at twice the usual rate.
Novas occur when a white dwarf star accumulates hydrogen from a companion star until it explodes in a thermonuclear blast.
Researchers are puzzled by the mechanism behind the increased nova frequency, speculating that the jet might be accelerating hydrogen transfer to white dwarfs.
Further observations are needed to understand how black hole jets interact with their surroundings and influence stellar phenomena.