IRAS 18293−0941 identified as first Milky Way microblazar

Astronomers have identified what is believed to be the first microblazar in the Milky Way, located in the stellar black hole system IRAS 18293−0941. Situated approximately 12,000 light-years from Earth, the system consists of a black hole with a mass about 10 times that of the Sun orbiting a massive, hot star.

Research led by Josep Martí of the University of Jaén indicates that the black hole consumes material from its stellar companion and expels it in opposing plasma jets. One of these jets is directed almost straight toward Earth, traveling at roughly 75% of the speed of light. While the phenomenon is violent, researchers state there is no threat to Earth.

The discovery confirms a theory proposed thirty years ago regarding smaller-scale versions of the massive blazars found at the centers of distant galaxies. Due to a thick veil of interstellar dust, the system was previously difficult to observe with standard optical telescopes. The findings were supported by data from the Calar Alto Astronomical Observatory in Spain and the MeerKAT radio telescope array in South Africa.