First-ever black hole to be directly imaged has changed 'dramatically' in just 4 years, new study finds

The first black hole ever imaged, M87*, has shown dramatic changes in its magnetic field patterns over just four years. New analysis of polarized light from images taken in 2017, 2018 and 2021 reveals that the magnetic fields completely reversed direction by 2021, surprising scientists. This unexpected transformation provides valuable insights into the dynamic environment surrounding supermassive black holes, while potentially affecting the powerful jets that influence galaxy evolution.