New observations from the National Science Foundation National Radio Astronomy Observatory’s (NSF NRAO) Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (NSF VLA) provide compelling evidence supporting a universal mechanism for the collimation of astrophysical jets, regardless of their origin. A new study, published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters, reveals the presence of a helical magnetic field within the HH 80-81 protostellar jet, a finding that mirrors similar structures observed in jets emanating from supermassive black holes.
Recent News
Astronomers Detect Earliest and Most Distant Blazar in the Universe
A groundbreaking discovery has revealed the presence of a blazar—a supermassive black hole with a jet pointed directly at Earth—at an extraordinary redshift of 7.0. The object, designated VLASS J041009.05−013919.88 (J0410−0139), is the most distant blazar ever identified, providing a rare glimpse into the epoch of reionization when the universe was less than 800 million years old.
ALMA and the Event Horizon Telescope: Moving Towards a Close-Up of a Black Hole and its Jets
An international research team has shown that the Event Horizon Telescope will be able to make exciting images of a supermassive black hole and its jets in the galaxy NGC 1052. The measurements, made with interconnected radio telescopes, also confirm strong magnetic fields close to the black hole’s edge.
AUI and Managed Facilities to Attend AAS 245
AUI will attend the 245rd meeting of the American Astronomical Society (AAS) in National Harbor, Maryland, from Jan. 12-16, 2025. Staff will deliver five presentations on various astronomy topics, including research and education. The full schedule is as follows:
Monday, January 13
9:00 – 10:00 AM | Prince George’s Exhibit Hall CD
The transformative potential of a Network of Networks to support research-practice within astronomy education, engagement, communication and culture
Tuesday, January 14
10:30 – 10:40 AM | Chesapeake D/E
ASTRO ACCEL: Using a network of networks (NoNs) to increase research capacity and effectiveness within astronomy education, engagement, communication, and culture
Tuesday, January 14
10:00 – 10:06 AM | Chesapeake G/H
The Women and Girls in Astronomy Program (WGAP)
Tuesday, January 14
2:50 – 3:30 PM| Maryland 1-2
WGAP 2024 Cohort – Astronomy for Development Across the North American Region
Thursday, January 16
2:20 – 2:30 PM | Potomac 5-6
Research Findings on the Impacts of a Remote Telescope-based Curriculum for Undergraduate Introductory Astronomy
In addition to AUI presentations, the U.S. National Science Foundation’s National Radio Astronomy Observatory and Green Bank Observatory has a full lineup of presentations, including the town hall on January 13 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Please note: locations and times are subject to change. Refer to the official AAS block schedule for the latest information.
Conference attendees are encouraged to visit the AUI booth (419) in the exhibit hall to learn about the latest discoveries and initiatives at AUI and its managed facilities.
AUI is a proud sponsor of the 245rd AAS meeting.
Recent News
Helical Magnetic Fields: A Universal Mechanism for Jet Collimation?
New observations from the National Science Foundation National Radio Astronomy Observatory’s (NSF NRAO) Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (NSF VLA) provide compelling evidence supporting a universal mechanism for the collimation of astrophysical jets, regardless of their origin. A new study, published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters, reveals the presence of a helical magnetic field within the HH 80-81 protostellar jet, a finding that mirrors similar structures observed in jets emanating from supermassive black holes.
Astronomers Detect Earliest and Most Distant Blazar in the Universe
A groundbreaking discovery has revealed the presence of a blazar—a supermassive black hole with a jet pointed directly at Earth—at an extraordinary redshift of 7.0. The object, designated VLASS J041009.05−013919.88 (J0410−0139), is the most distant blazar ever identified, providing a rare glimpse into the epoch of reionization when the universe was less than 800 million years old.
ALMA and the Event Horizon Telescope: Moving Towards a Close-Up of a Black Hole and its Jets
An international research team has shown that the Event Horizon Telescope will be able to make exciting images of a supermassive black hole and its jets in the galaxy NGC 1052. The measurements, made with interconnected radio telescopes, also confirm strong magnetic fields close to the black hole’s edge.