What powers the quasar magnetic beams that power jets?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the generation of magnetic beams from quasars, specifically addressing the misconception that these beams originate from the black hole's singularity. Participants clarify that the magnetic fields are primarily produced by the hot plasma in the accretion disk surrounding the black hole, rather than the singularity itself. The relationship between black hole size and the strength of the magnetic beams is also explored, emphasizing that the accretion disk is the key component in generating these fields. This understanding aligns with the notion that the majority of quasar light is emitted from the accretion disk rather than the magnetic jets.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quasar structures and components
  • Knowledge of black hole physics and singularities
  • Familiarity with plasma physics and magnetic field generation
  • Basic concepts of accretion disks and their role in astrophysics
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  • Research the properties of accretion disks in astrophysics
  • Study the mechanisms of magnetic field generation in plasma
  • Explore the relationship between black hole mass and jet formation
  • Learn about the observational techniques used to study quasars
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Astronomers, astrophysicists, and students interested in black hole dynamics, quasar emissions, and the interplay between magnetic fields and plasma in cosmic phenomena.

CosmologyHobbyist
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what powers the quasar magnetic beams that power jets
I am reading up on quasars because I am interested in the magnetic beams that emanate from their poles, accelerating material.

I read that the magnetic beams are generated by the orbiting debris the quasar is consuming.

Sorry, that doesn't sound right to me. I assumed the black hole core is generating a magnetic field just like the Earth or sun. Magnetic fields are generated by iron, atomic nuclei, maybe spinning singularities as well? A magnetic field is not limited by the gravitational black hole speed-of-light, because it is a field, no? Or does a black hole prevent any magnetic field from extending beyond the event horizon? Really? Its really not making sense to me.

If the magnetic beam is generated by the singularity itself, there should be a relationship between black hole size and magnetic beam strength, and this would affect the length of the accelerated material jets emanating from the quasar poles.
 
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CosmologyHobbyist said:
I read that the magnetic beams are generated by the orbiting debris the quasar is consuming.

Sorry, that doesn't sound right to me.

Why not? The accretion disk near the event horizon is composed of very, very hot gas that has likely been completely ionized into a plasma. Just like the Sun, this hot plasma likely generates a magnetic field as it spirals down into the event horizon.

CosmologyHobbyist said:
I assumed the black hole core is generating a magnetic field just like the Earth or sun. Magnetic fields are generated by iron, atomic nuclei, maybe spinning singularities as well?

Unlikely. The singularity is not a physical object, it is a mathematical point where our math breaks down and we can no longer make accurate predictions.
 
Thanks Drakkith. On another question I asked, I found out the accretion disks are the major light-emitting component of quasars, so now its fitting together. Thanks for your time.
 
I was under mistaken impression that majority of quasar light came from accelerated material in magnetic beams, thus i was puzzled by what was powering the magnetic beams.
 

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