BlackHoleWeather – Spin-coupled chaotic cold accretion across the meso scale: Kinematics and variability
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Supermassive black hole (SMBH) spin records the vector history of accretion. In chaotic cold accretion (CCA), this history is set by clouds and filaments whose torques can add coherently, cancel, or reverse before reaching the horizon-scale closure. We test whether halo stirring regulates SMBH spin by changing the radial continuity and torque coherence of the meso-scale accretion bridge. We focus on spin evolution, jet-axis reorientation, accretion variability, and CCA kinematics. ̊m kpc ) box, reaching sub-parsec resolution, including SMBH spin-coupled jet feedback. All runs use the Hybrid SMBH spin model validated in a companion paper. Two simulations maintain continuously driven solenoidal turbulence, while two matched controls let the same initial turbulent field decay. -1 ) during coherent retrograde episodes. The same split appears in the power spectra and k-plots: connected rain is associated with a greater absolute low-frequency accretion power and produces narrower, phase-ordered kinematics, while persistent stirring steepens the high-frequency damping and broadens the gas velocity loci across phases. All runs remain CCA-like, with turbulent Taylor numbers of ( łesssim1). Ta_t Persistent halo stirring therefore regulates SMBH spin and jet-axis evolution primarily by controlling the radial continuity and torque coherence of the meso-scale CCA feeding bridge.
Source: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Language: English
Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,865
Funder: European Research Council
OpenAlex ID: W7221681535