Astrophysicists confirm first Galactic microblazar IRAS 18293−0941

Researchers at the University of Jaén have confirmed the first known microblazar, IRAS 18293−0941, located about 11,700 light-years away in the constellation Scutum. The system pairs a roughly 10-solar-mass black hole with a massive star, and its jets may accelerate particles to ultra-high energies.

• IRAS 18293−0941 lies 11,700 light-years away in the constellation Scutum
• The system contains a ~10-solar-mass black hole and a massive star
• Its jets may accelerate particles to PeV energies, a possible Galactic PeVatron
• Observations used MeerKAT, the VLA and X-ray observatories