Neural network analysis uncovers the Milky Way’s supermassive black hole spinning at almost top speed, its axis pointed straight at Earth. Using millions of synthetic data sets and new Bayesian techniques, 7 international researchers outpaced old models and found the emission near Sagittarius A* comes from frenzied hot electrons, not cosmic jets. “Defying the prevailing theory is of course exciting,” lead researcher Michael Janssen quipped.

Instead of a quiet cosmic whirlpool, researchers say Sagittarius A* is spinning so fast it could outpace a carnival ride, with emission powered by electrons throwing a galactic tantrum. Magnetic fields in the accretion disk also appear to ignore textbook physics, offering new search phrases like ‘black hole spin direction’ and ‘Milky Way black hole speed’. “Next, we’ll improve and extend the models,” Janssen promised.

The black hole at the heart of M87 galaxy spins fast too, but it actually turns opposite to the swirling gas around it—a cosmic consequence scientists suspect resulted from a galactic merger.