A team of astronomers has used computer simulations to show how supermassive black holes grow and regulate the formation of galaxies. The simulations show that these black holes are the key to understanding how galaxies evolve over time.
The simulations were performed by a team led by Dr. Annalisa Pillepich, a post-doctoral researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Astrophysics in Germany. The team used the Illustris simulation, which is one of the largest and most detailed simulations of the universe ever created.
The Illustris simulation shows that supermassive black holes grow as galaxies merge and accrete matter. This matter is funnelled into the black holes by cold gas streams, which are driven by the gravity of the black holes.
The simulations also show that the growth of supermassive black holes regulates the formation of stars in galaxies. This is because the black holes heat the gas in galaxies, which makes it more difficult for stars to form.
The team's results are consistent with observations of real galaxies. This suggests that the Illustris simulation is a realistic model of the universe and that supermassive black holes play a key role in regulating galaxy formation.
Dr. Pillepich said: "Our simulations show that supermassive black holes are the key to understanding how galaxies evolve over time. They are the powerhouses that drive the growth of galaxies and regulate the formation of stars."
The team's findings are published in the journal, Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.
