The black hole at the center of the NGC 4051 galaxy emits a hot wind of chemical
elements, including elements like carbon and oxygen that are critical for life. The
hot wind originates very close to the black hole, at a distance about five times the
size of Neptune's orbit. Although speedy, the wind is weaker than expected and
ejects only 2 to 5 percent of accreting material.
Credit: George Seitz/Adam Block/NOAO/AURA/NSF |
