Massive Spiral Galaxy Challenges Evolution Models and Highlights Risks for Milky Way

The discovery of 2MASX J23453268−0449256 reveals unprecedented black hole activity in a spiral galaxy, raising questions about galactic stability and potential threats from Sagittarius A*.

Astronomers identified 2MASX J23453268−0449256, a spiral galaxy 947 million light-years away, with a supermassive black hole producing jets 6 million light-years long.
This discovery defies the prevailing belief that such extreme jets only occur in elliptical galaxies, suggesting the need to rethink galaxy evolution models.
The galaxy remains structurally intact despite its extreme conditions, retaining spiral arms and a stellar ring, likely stabilized by its high dark matter content—10 times that of the Milky Way.
The findings highlight the potential for Sagittarius A*, the Milky Way's dormant central black hole, to become active under specific conditions, with jets that could threaten Earth's habitability.
This research provides critical insights into the role of dark matter, black hole activity, and the forces shaping galaxies, advancing our understanding of cosmic evolution.