Astrophysical Jets

About Astrophysical Jets: 

• These are outflows of ionised matter that are emitted as extended beams from celestial objects such as black holes, neutron stars, and pulsars.
• Highlights of the study
  • The scientists showed that the change in plasma composition leads to the difference in propagation velocities of the jets even if the initial parameters for the jets remain the same.
  • Jets composed of electrons and positrons were found to be slowest in comparison to jets containing protons, contrary to expectation. Protons are about two thousand times more massive than electrons or positrons.
  • It is essential to understand the plasma composition of jets as the change in plasma composition changes the internal energy of the jet which is reflected in the change in propagation speeds.
  • In addition, the plasma composition also affects the jet structures like number and strength of recollimation shocks, shape and dynamics of reverse shock and so on.
  • Recollimation shocks are the regions in the jet beam that form due to the interaction of the jet beam with the backflowing material.
  • The electron-positron jets show more pronounced turbulent structures. The growth of these structures also results in the deceleration of the jets. The formation and growth of turbulent structures are known to affect the stability of the jets. Hence, plasma composition may also influence the long-term stability of the jets.

Q1: What is Black holes?

Black holes are some of the strangest and most fascinating objects in space. They’re extremely dense, with such strong gravitational attraction that not even light can escape their grasp.

Source: Scientists trace the effect of plasma composition on dynamics of astrophysical jets from celestial bodies

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