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NASA's Spitzer Telescope Unveils Secrets of Andromeda's Black Hole

Recent studies using Spitzer's archival data provide new insights into the subtle feeding patterns of Andromeda's supermassive black hole.

  • Archival images from the retired Spitzer Space Telescope reveal how dust streams feed the supermassive black hole in Andromeda, leading to quiet luminosity.
  • Computer simulations support findings that a steady, small flow of material prevents the erratic brightness typically seen in other galaxies.
  • The study contrasts Andromeda's black hole with more turbulent systems, highlighting its unique consumption method.
  • Researchers reanalyzed 20-year-old data, enhancing understanding of galaxy dynamics and black hole behavior.
  • The findings underscore the value of long-term data in studying celestial phenomena, offering a deeper view into the structure and behavior of nearby galaxies.
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