Blazars: Supercharged Quasars Pointing at Earth

Blazars are a special type of quasar with jets aimed almost directly at Earth.
Their jets travel near the speed of light, making them appear extraordinarily bright.
Blazars are among the most energetic phenomena in the universe.
They emit radiation across the spectrum—from radio waves to gamma rays.
Rapid brightness changes make blazars unpredictable cosmic beacons.
The name comes from blending “BL Lac object” and “quasar.”
Blazars are powered by supermassive black holes at galaxy centers.
Relativistic effects amplify their light, a phenomenon called “Doppler boosting.”
They help scientists study high-energy physics and the behavior of black hole jets.
Though rare, blazars are vital windows into the extreme universe.