What powers the quasar magnetic beams that power jets?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the mechanisms powering the magnetic beams associated with quasars, particularly focusing on the relationship between black holes, their accretion disks, and the generation of magnetic fields. Participants explore theoretical aspects and implications of these mechanisms.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that the magnetic beams are generated by the orbiting debris in the accretion disk of the quasar, which consists of hot, ionized plasma.
  • Others argue that the black hole itself may generate a magnetic field, similar to the Earth or Sun, raising questions about the nature of magnetic fields in relation to black holes.
  • A participant questions whether a black hole can prevent a magnetic field from extending beyond its event horizon, suggesting a need for clarity on this point.
  • There is a suggestion that if the magnetic beam is generated by the singularity, there should be a correlation between black hole size and the strength of the magnetic beam, influencing the length of the jets produced.
  • One participant corrects a misunderstanding about the source of quasar light, indicating that the majority comes from the accretion disks rather than the accelerated material in the magnetic beams.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the origins of the magnetic beams, with some supporting the idea of generation by the accretion disk and others advocating for a role of the black hole itself. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the exact mechanisms and relationships involved.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the assumptions about magnetic field generation, the nature of singularities, and the definitions of terms used, which may affect the clarity of the arguments presented.

CosmologyHobbyist
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TL;DR
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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