Black hole jets can influence how a galaxy grows by heating and moving gas that might otherwise cool and form stars. In some massive galaxies, observations point to a feedback cycle: gas fuels star formation and the central black hole, then energy from the black hole helps limit further cooling. The effect varies by system; it is not a universal shutdown switch.
How jets connect a black hole to its galaxy
A supermassive black hole sits at the center of many large galaxies. When gas falls toward it, some of the material can power energetic activity that launches narrow jets of particles. Those jets travel far beyond the black hole and can transfer energy to gas in the galaxy’s surrounding halo.
That halo gas matters because it can cool, sink toward the galaxy, and supply material for new stars. Heating it can slow that cooling and reduce the supply of star-forming gas. NASA describes this connection in giant elliptical galaxies, where the black hole’s activity can affect conditions across much larger scales than the black hole itself.
Why the effect can be a feedback loop, not a shutdown
Jet feedback does not always mean that star formation stops. In a self-regulating cycle, some gas cools and moves inward, feeding both the galaxy’s star formation and its central black hole. The active black hole then releases energy through jets, heating surrounding gas and limiting how much more can cool and fall inward.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
In observations reported by NASA, Hubble ultraviolet images revealed young, hot blue star-forming knots in filaments associated with jets in massive elliptical galaxies. The interpretation is that some gas can cool into star-forming clouds even as jet heating restrains cooling on larger scales. NASA quoted researcher Megan Donahue comparing the gas around a galaxy to an atmosphere; Grant Tremblay described the cooling material as “showers” of star formation observed with Hubble’s far-ultraviolet capabilities.
What different observations reveal
The evidence comes from observations of different gas phases and structures, not from one instrument measuring a single, complete process. Each example supports a particular part of the picture.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
| Example | What was observed | Instrument or approach | What it indicates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massive elliptical galaxies | Young stars in filaments associated with jets | Hubble ultraviolet observations | Localized star formation can occur in structures linked to jet activity; the proposed cycle connects cooling gas, star formation, and black-hole fueling. NASA Hubble report, August 6, 2015 |
| Central galaxies in clusters | Hot gas and cooling around central galaxies | Chandra X-ray observations | Jet energy can reheat gas and moderate cooling in precipitation feedback. NASA reported regulation in the studied systems over at least 7 billion years; this is not a duration established for every galaxy. NASA Chandra report, 2015 |
| F11119 | A wind near the black hole linked to cold gas moving outward | Suzaku and Herschel observations | In this studied active galaxy, evidence connected a central wind with cold gas at larger scales. The result concerns a wind and cold-gas outflow, not a narrow particle jet. NASA report, March 25, 2015 |
Jets, winds, and outflows are not interchangeable
A jet is a relatively narrow stream of energetic particles launched from the central region. A wind is a broader flow of gas, and “outflow” is a general term for material moving outward. These structures can all carry energy or matter away from a black hole, but observations of one should not be described as evidence for another.
NASA’s account of ultra-fast outflows describes broad winds as distinct from narrow jets. In F11119, Suzaku and Herschel observations linked a black-hole wind to cold gas farther out. That is evidence about this galaxy and its observed gas flow, rather than proof that every black hole drives the same kind of outflow. NASA on ultra-fast outflows, 2012
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Can a black hole stop stars from forming?
It can reduce the conditions that support star formation in some circumstances, but the available examples do not show that black holes universally stop stars from forming. The Chandra findings concern precipitation feedback in studied cluster galaxies: cooling clouds can fall toward the central galaxy and black hole, while jet energy reheats gas and prevents cooling from becoming too strong. Hubble observations of massive ellipticals also show localized star formation in filaments associated with jets.
These results come from massive ellipticals, central cluster galaxies, and a particular active galaxy. They do not establish the same strength or outcome in every galaxy. NASA’s Chandra report identified smaller galaxies, including the Milky Way, as a question for future testing. NASA Chandra report on cosmic showers, 2015
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
