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The presence of supermassive black holes influences the structure of galaxies from "summary" of The Science of Interstellar by Kip Thorne
Supermassive black holes, with masses millions to billions of times that of our sun, lurk at the centers of most galaxies. While these monsters are tiny in size compared to their host galaxies, they have an enormous impact on the structure and behavior of these galaxies. One key way they influence galaxies is through their gravitational pull. As matter spirals into the black hole, it releases energy in the form of radiation and powerful jets of particles. These energetic outflows can heat up gas in the galaxy, preventing it from cooling and condensing to form stars. This can effectively shut down star formation in the galaxy, leading to a population of older stars. The black hole's gravitational pull can also disrupt the orbits of stars and other objects in the galaxy, causing them to move in unpredictable ways. This can create disturbances in the galaxy's shape and structure, leading to features such as spiral arms, bars, and rings. Additionally, the powerful radiation and jets emitted by the black hole can push gas and dust out of the galaxy, further affecting its structure. The presence of a supermassive black hole can also affect the dynamics of the galaxy's central regions. Stars near the black hole may experience strong gravitational forces, causing them to move at high speeds or even be ejected from the galaxy entirely. Despite their disruptive influence, supermassive black holes are also believed to play a crucial role in the formation and evolution of galaxies. For example, the energy released by black holes can trigger the formation of new stars in certain regions of the galaxy. Additionally, the growth of supermassive black holes is thought to be closely linked to the growth of their host galaxies. Understanding the relationship between black holes and galaxies is essential for unraveling the mysteries of the universe and gaining insights into the processes that shape the cosmos.
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