Supermassive Black Hole Jets Challenge Galaxy Evolution Models, May Impact Earth

Astronomers have discovered a spiral galaxy, 2MASX J23453268-0449256, located approximately one billion light-years away, containing a supermassive black hole that is emitting radio jets spanning six million light-years. This discovery, detailed in *Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society*, challenges existing models of galaxy evolution, as such jets are typically associated with elliptical galaxies. The galaxy is roughly triple the size of the Milky Way and contains ten times more dark matter, contributing to its stability. Researchers warn that the Milky Way could potentially produce similar high-energy jets in the future, which could increase radiation levels in our solar system and potentially trigger mass extinction events on Earth. The study utilized data from the Hubble Space Telescope, Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope, and Atacama Large Millimeter Wave Array.