What the study found
Nearby supermassive black hole accretion flows can be grouped into three classes based on whether they become transparent at traditional imaging frequencies, require higher frequencies, or are unlikely to be transparent down to the black hole shadow in the submillimeter band.
Why the authors say this matters
The study suggests these results can help with target selection and wavelength optimization for future very-long-baseline interferometry, or VLBI, arrays. The authors say both resolution and transparency are needed to resolve black hole shadows.
What the researchers tested
The researchers modeled accretion flows around a broad population of nearby supermassive black holes using a covariant semi-analytic flow model and general-relativistic radiative transfer. They examined how black hole and accretion-flow parameters affect spectra, image morphology, and the critical frequency at which the flows become optically thin, meaning transparent to their own radiation.
What worked and what didn't
The study identified sources that become transparent at traditional imaging frequencies and sources that need higher frequencies. It also found a class of sources that are unlikely to become transparent down to the black hole shadow in the submillimeter band.
What to keep in mind
The abstract does not give specific source names, numerical thresholds, or detailed limitations. It describes a modeling study meant to assess imaging prospects rather than reporting direct observations.
Key points
- The study divides nearby supermassive black hole targets into three transparency classes.
- Some sources may be imageable at traditional frequencies, while others need higher frequencies.
- A third group is unlikely to become transparent down to the shadow in the submillimeter band.
- The researchers used a semi-analytic accretion-flow model plus general-relativistic radiative transfer.
- The authors say the results can guide target selection and wavelength choice for future VLBI arrays.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Nearby black holes fall into three imaging frequency classes
- Authors:
- Joshua Cole Faggert, Feryal Özel, Dimitrios Psaltis
- Institutions:
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- Publication date:
- 2026-04-23
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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