Dynamics and geometry of the inner sub-parsec-scale jet in 3C 279 observed with the Event Horizon Telescope

Three-year Event Horizon Telescope images of the blazar 3C 279 have revealed the dynamic nature of the innermost jet, resolved by its uniquely high resolution. Adapted from Mueller et al. (2026).

The blazar 3C 279 is one of the brightest and most powerful jets in the Universe, produced by a supermassive black hole actively accreting matter. Using observations from the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT), researchers obtained an unprecedented view of the jet's innermost region, revealing a surprisingly complex structure close to the black hole. The study found evidence that the jet bends toward Earth on sub-parsec scales, causing its emission to appear strongly amplified by relativistic effects. By tracking the motion of individual features within the jet, the team was able to constrain its geometry and dynamics, providing new insights into how powerful black hole jets are launched, shaped, and evolve over time.

The paper, Mueller et al. (2026), was published in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics. Prof Akiyama and the incoming group members Dr Uniyal and Dr Saurabh contributed to this work as members of the EHT Collaboration.