Active galactic nuclei feedback

Definition

Active galactic nuclei feedback refers to the energy and momentum output from the central supermassive black hole in a galaxy, particularly when it is actively accreting matter. This process can influence star formation and the surrounding interstellar medium by heating gas, driving outflows, and regulating the growth of the galaxy. The feedback mechanisms are crucial in understanding how galaxies evolve over time, especially in relation to primordial gas and galaxy formation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Active galactic nuclei feedback can create powerful jets that eject material from the vicinity of the black hole into the intergalactic medium.
2. This feedback process plays a role in quenching star formation by heating the surrounding gas, making it less likely to collapse into new stars.
3. The energy produced by active galactic nuclei can affect the dynamics and evolution of galaxies by altering their gas content and morphology.
4. Different types of active galactic nuclei (like quasars and blazars) exhibit varying feedback effects based on their accretion rates and orientation relative to Earth.
5. Understanding active galactic nuclei feedback helps explain the correlation between supermassive black hole mass and the properties of their host galaxies.

Review Questions

• How does active galactic nuclei feedback impact star formation within a galaxy?
  • Active galactic nuclei feedback impacts star formation by heating up the surrounding gas in a galaxy. When a supermassive black hole actively accretes material, it releases significant energy that can elevate temperatures in the interstellar medium. This heating effect makes it harder for gas to cool and collapse into stars, effectively quenching or slowing down star formation rates within that galaxy.
• In what ways does active galactic nuclei feedback influence the evolution of galaxies over cosmic time?
  • Active galactic nuclei feedback influences galaxy evolution by regulating both the star formation process and the dynamics of the interstellar medium. By driving outflows and heating surrounding gas, this feedback can change the structure of galaxies over time. It helps maintain a balance between star formation and black hole growth, impacting how galaxies develop and interact with their environment across cosmic time scales.
• Evaluate the significance of understanding active galactic nuclei feedback in relation to primordial gas and galaxy formation.
  • Understanding active galactic nuclei feedback is significant because it provides insights into how primordial gas interacts with black holes during galaxy formation. The feedback mechanisms regulate not just individual star formation but also affect large-scale structures in the universe. By examining these interactions, astronomers can gain a clearer picture of how galaxies formed from primordial gas, evolved over time, and how they might continue to evolve as they interact with their central supermassive black holes.

Related terms

supermassive black hole: A supermassive black hole is a massive black hole found at the center of galaxies, containing millions to billions of solar masses.

star formation: Star formation is the process by which dense regions within molecular clouds collapse under their own gravity to form stars.

interstellar medium: The interstellar medium is the matter that exists in the space between stars in a galaxy, including gas, dust, and cosmic rays.