Black hole jets heat gas around galaxies and curb star formation

Astrophysicists used DESI and LOFAR data to study H-alpha regions around hundreds of galaxies with active jets. The jets ionize and heat the circumgalactic medium farther out than expected, reducing the gas that falls inward and the rate of star formation.

• Study draws on DESI and LOFAR Two-meter Sky Survey data
• Jets ionize H-alpha regions beyond their polar axis
• Magnesium absorption line points to cooler circumgalactic gas
• Heating cuts gas inflow into galaxies and star formation