How do supermassive black holes relate to quasars?

Quasars are actively feeding supermassive black holes at the centers of galaxies. When matter, such as gas and dust, falls toward a supermassive black hole, it forms an accretion disk around the black hole. As this material spirals inwards, it becomes incredibly hot and emits an immense amount of energy, often outshining entire galaxies. This process is what makes quasars the brightest objects in the universe, observable even at great distances.

The relationship between quasars and supermassive black holes is fundamental in understanding cosmic evolution, as quasars are often found in the early universe, providing insights into how black holes grew and influenced their surrounding environments. This link highlights the dynamic processes at work in the universe, particularly in galaxy formation and evolution.