Unknown mechanisms of jet formation from supermassive black holes

Determine the exact physical processes by which accreted mass and energy around supermassive black holes are converted into collimated, relativistic jets, specifying the mechanism(s) operating at event-horizon to parsec scales that produce and sustain these outflows.

Background

Relativistic jets from active galactic nuclei are among the most energetic phenomena observed, spanning radio to gamma-ray wavelengths and linked to particle acceleration to the highest energies. Ground-based and space VLBI observations (e.g., EHT and RadioAstron) have revealed detailed jet structures and magnetic field configurations near event horizons, suggesting a role for black hole spin and magnetic flux in jet launching.

Despite these advances, a definitive understanding of how accreted material and energy are transformed into narrow, relativistic outflows remains elusive. The Black Hole Explorer mission aims to address this gap by resolving jet bases and polarization structures at microarcsecond scales, enabling direct tests of proposed launching and acceleration mechanisms.