ScienceJuly 31, 2026

blazar

BLAY-zar

Definition

A highly luminous active galactic nucleus that contains a supermassive black hole and emits a jet of high-energy particles directed nearly straight toward Earth.

Etymology

The word is a portmanteau derived from 'BL Lacertae object' (named after the prototype celestial source in the constellation Lacerta) combined with the suffix '-ar' from 'quasar'.

In the news

The article uses the term to describe a specific type of active galaxy that appears brighter and more violent because its relativistic jet is pointed directly at our line of sight.

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