Astronomers have taken a crucial step in showing that the most massive black holes in the universe can create their own meals. Using X-ray data from Chandra and optical light data, this study, based on observations of seven galaxy clusters in total, provides new evidence that outbursts from black holes can cool down gas to feed themselves. Massive galaxies at the centers of the clusters contain huge black holes that power outbursts in the form of jets, driven by the black holes feasting on gas. These images show the X-ray and optical data of the Perseus and Centaurus clusters from the survey.

This tactile plate is a physical relief map based on the intensity of Chandra X-ray data along with optical and infrared data, featuring a galaxy cluster, known as Perseus, with a central black hole surrounded by patches and filaments of gas.

In this plate, a raised patch with distinct veins floats in the emptiness of space, surrounded by small dots representing flecks of light. At the center of the patch is a pronounced dot representing a black hole. The raised patch represents hot X-ray gas, and the veins represent filaments of warm gas. According to a new model published, jets from the black holes impact the hot X-ray gas. This gas cools into warm filaments, with some warm gas flowing back into the black hole. The return flow of warm gas causes jets to again cool the hot gas, triggering the cycle once again.

This tactile plate is a physical relief map based on the intensity of Chandra X-ray data along with optical and infrared data, featuring a galaxy cluster, known as Centaurus, with a central black hole surrounded by patches and filaments of gas.

In this plate, a raised patch with distinct veins floats in the emptiness of space, surrounded by small dots representing flecks of light. At the center of the patch is a pronounced dot representing a black hole. The raised patch represents hot X-ray gas, and the veins represent filaments of warm gas. According to a new model published, jets from the black holes impact the hot X-ray gas. This gas cools into warm filaments, with some warm gas flowing back into the black hole. The return flow of warm gas causes jets to again cool the hot gas, triggering the cycle once again.