The 2018 campaign of the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) focused on M87, a prominent galaxy known for its central supermassive black hole. This campaign made headlines when researchers detected a rare gamma-ray flare from M87, the first in over a decade, providing insights into the emission regions and dynamics of the black hole’s jets. The study, published in Astronomy & Astrophysics, involved an extensive collaboration of over 25 telescopes that captured simultaneous observations across various wavelengths, enhancing understanding of M87’s activity.
The gamma-ray flare, lasting about three days, suggested the emission region was less than three light-days in size, indicating rapid variability and a complex structure. Observations showed drastic changes in the jet’s behavior, reinforcing the unpredictable nature of black hole activity. The study emphasized the importance of multi-wavelength observations in examining the physics of these cosmic phenomena and their implications for particle acceleration in active galactic nuclei.
Future plans include continued observation with a more sensitive EHT array, aiming to deepen understanding of the mechanisms causing gamma-ray emissions. This groundbreaking work not only enhances knowledge of M87 but also paves the way for potential discoveries in black hole research and the broader universe.
