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esd_april_09.mp3

First close pair of supermassive black holes detected by Nina Brinkmann, Max Planck Society edited by Lisa Lock, reviewed by Robert Egan Supermassive black holes at the centers of galaxies are one of the most active fields of research in astronomy. In order to accumulate their enormous masses, they must merge with each other. A research team led by Silke Britzen from the Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy (MPIfR) in Bonn has found direct evidence of two supermassive black holes in the galaxy Markarian 501, which orbit each other very closely. This could be the first time that a pair has been detected that is about to merge. This provides a unique opportunity to better understand a central process in galaxy evolution. The findings suggest that there is a supermassive black hole at the center of almost every large galaxy, with a mass millions or even billions of times greater than that of our sun. It is still unclear exactly how they can reach such enormous masses. Collecting (accreting) gas from the surrounding area alone would take too long, so it is likely that they have to merge with other massive black holes. Galaxy collisions have been observed throughout our universe. It is thus very likely that the supermassive black holes at the centers of these colliding galaxies also merge, first orbiting each other ever closer and ultimately coalescing into one. Telltale particle beam However, theoretical models cannot yet accurately describe this final phase. Complicating matters further, no close pair of massive black holes has yet been reliably detected, despite collisions between galaxies being commonplace on cosmic timescales. The recent study of the galaxy Markarian 501 (Mrk 501) in the constellation Hercules has changed that. The work has been published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. The black hole at the center of Mrk 501 ejects a powerful jet of particles traveling at nearly the speed of light into space. For the study, the team analyzed high-resolution observations of the region. These cover various radio frequencies and were collected on dozens of days over a period of approximately 23 years. This long-term data reveals not only a single jet, but a second one as well. It is the first direct image of such a system at the center of a galaxy, and a clear indication of the existence of a second supermassive black hole. "We searched for it for so long, and then it came as a complete surprise that we could not only see a second jet, but even track its movement," reports Britzen. Article link: https://phys.org/news/2026-04-pair-supermassive-black-holes.html Pic Description: The artistic rendering shows the center of the galaxy Markarian 501, from which two powerful jets emanate. The radio observations are visible as contours in the background. Credit: Emma Kun / HUN-REN Konkoly Observatory Made with the support of Ai.

Rare twin phenomenon as both auroras spotted as Artemis II catapults around Moon The Artemis mission to the moon is well underway with a series of incredible photo capturing the journey so far. By Carly Bass, Senior News Reporter 8 April 2026 An incredible photo taken from space has captured a rare double phenomenon. Each year, thousands of people flock to the southern and northern ends of the Earth to witness the breathtaking Aurora light displays, but a single image taken by astronauts showcases both. Article link: https://au.news.yahoo.com/rare-twin-phenomenon-as-both-auroras-spotted-as-artemis-ii-catapults-around-moon-013633269.html Pic Description: NASA astronaut and Artemis II Commander Reid Wiseman took this picture of Earth from the Orion spacecraft's window on which shows the two aurora light displays. Source: NASA/Reid Wiseman

“He interceded for the transgressors.” —Isaiah 53:12 Not for the righteous. Not for the ones who got it mostly right. For transgressors. That word doesn’t soften anything. It doesn’t excuse. It doesn’t blur the edges. It just stands there—clear, direct, uncomfortable. It points at people who crossed lines they knew were there. People who didn’t just slip… but stepped over.

Thursday, April 9 He interceded for the transgressors.—Isa. 53:12. Jehovah asked Abraham to offer up his own son Isaac as a sacrifice. Abraham surely found this to be the most painful task imaginable. Nonetheless, he prepared to follow through with it. But God stopped him at the last moment. Still, that example teaches all people of faith a vital truth—Jehovah would be willing to offer his own beloved Son as a sacrifice. Jehovah loves humans that much. (Gen. 22:1-18) Centuries later, the Law given to the nation of Israel called for many sacrifices to atone for the sins of God’s people. (Lev. 4:27-29; 17:11) Such sacrifices pointed to a greater sacrifice, one that would completely save mankind from sin. God’s prophets were inspired to explain that the promised offspring, who turned out to be a special Son of God, would have to suffer and be put to death in order to save mankind—including you—from sin and death!—Isa. 53:1-12. w24.08 4 ¶7-8

Hubert… Thanks so much for putting this into such beautiful words… I sent this to a close friend who is being challenged in his full time assignment…perspective is everything… he is striving to see Jehovah in the storm.❤️❤️

Yeah. The big difference is this is the first war where Israel and the US have been leading the charge. Israel holds a prominent place in evangelical Protestant theology.

"Okay, everyone okay with the two-week ceasefire?" "Sure." "Yes." "Not so fast."

I have a similar issue, an outline from the CO. No issues on my already loaded device, iPad. But when I went to load it on to my phone recently... says corrupted. Separate issue, heard from a brother today that downloaded the S-34 for talk outlines on JWPub format but he said on his device the scripture links work but none of the references will open. I have not verified this as my older S-34 version is currently working. 😃 I encouraged him to restart his device and check for updates and let me know the result.

The topic of religion is getting a workout in this current conflict... Source

Yes, I apologize @Jim Jam. If the other person took it fine, then it wasn't insensitive

Brother, I think what you said was very encouraging. I'm sure the intent was to help the sister see with eyes of faith. Don't be downhearted.

Waterworks succefully opened, dear brother. It truly is happening just as you have written here, honestly. Thank Jah and thank you.

You are right, that why I said that if it happens there is no need to fear because we have a sure hope of living again, like the early martyrs did But if what I said is incensitive then I apologize

You tried, and we appreciate that.

And the White House just said “reports that Iran re-closed the strait of Hormuz are false” lol who even knows what’s true these days… (below quotes from san.com, same as earlier link) > The Iranian government announced Wednesday morning the Strait of Hormuz was again closed > Iranian media agency Fars reported that the government allowed two tankers to leave the Strait “after obtaining permission from Iran,” NBC News reported. However, further passages were halted because of Israel’s strikes inside Lebanon.

I understand what you are saying. However, there is a huge difference between being martyred for your faith and dying in a giant fireball or being slowly killed by radiation fallout. With the first one (martyrdom) there is an option: recant or renounce your faith. I would not do this, but the choice is there. With the second (nuclear war), there is no option but death either immediately or slowly. I realize that not all of us may live through the Great Tribulation and Armageddon but I would like to, and I would like my kids to live through that also.

https://san.com/cc/iran-closes-strait-of-hormuz-after-israel-launches-attacks-inside-lebanon/ > Iran said Israel’s continued attacks in Lebanon violated the agreement. well that didn’t take long…

I guess I'm not very good at encouraging others

There is a big difference between being brave in the face of persecution and potentially losing one's life due to war or natural disaster. And, yes, some Christians fleeing Jerusalem ahead of the Romans may have been afraid to lose their lives. They fled because they did not want to die. You might want to consider how insensitive you sound

Dear brothers and sisters, dear friends, have you ever experienced a moment when you suddenly felt: I am no longer the same person as before…? Perhaps after a difficult trial… after a loss… or after a time in which Jehovah quietly shaped you… You look back — and realize: you have become softer… more understanding… deeper… And that is exactly what this is about: A mature life. Right at the beginning we read a thought from the Bible that sounds like a gentle call: “Teach us to number our days, so that we may acquire a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12) What does that mean? Jehovah does not want us to simply live… day after day… year after year… He wants us to understand how precious each individual day is. Because when we begin to “number” our days… we also begin to feel them. Then an ordinary moment suddenly becomes precious: a conversation… a smile… a quiet prayer… And slowly… very quietly… something begins to grow within us: A wise heart. But how does such a heart develop? Life goes up and down… joy and pain alternate… And if we are honest… we all know that. There are days when everything feels easy. And then… suddenly… a message comes… a disappointment… a worry… And we might ask ourselves: Why does Jehovah allow this? Dear brothers and sisters… Perhaps because these very highs and lows shape us into the person he sees in us. Not perfect… but genuine. Not strong by our own strength… but carried by him. I would like to give you an illustration: Imagine a tree… A young tree — just planted. If there is only sunshine all the time… no wind… no rain… then it grows… but its roots remain shallow. But when storms come… when the wind pulls at it… when rain pours down on it… then something invisible happens: Its roots grow deeper. It clings, as it were, to the ground… it becomes stronger… more stable… And one day it stands there… calm… firm… and nothing can easily bring it down. Is it not similar with us? The difficult moments… the ones we would never have chosen… are often exactly the moments in which our “roots” grow deeper. Our trust… our patience… our love… Another thought says: “Direct your attention to yourself… and wherever you find yourself, let go of yourself there.” That is not easy. Because it means being honest with oneself. To recognize: Here I still need to grow… Here Jehovah may continue to work on me… But that is exactly maturity. Not saying: “I am already good enough”… but: “Jehovah, continue to shape me.” And then comes this beautiful thought: “I only learned to truly love life since I know what I am living for.” What a deep statement… Many people live… but they do not know what for. They search for meaning… for stability… for something that lasts… But we? We are allowed to know: We live for Jehovah. For his love. For his future. And that changes everything. I would like to give you one more illustration: Imagine someone holding a piece of clay in their hands. Unformed… unremarkable… But then an experienced potter begins to work on it. He presses… he shapes… sometimes it almost feels like too much pressure… But he does not stop. Why? Because he sees something that is not yet visible. A beautiful vessel. Dear brothers and sisters… Jehovah is that potter. And we… we are in his hands. Sometimes we feel the pressure… sometimes we do not understand why something happens… But Jehovah already sees what we will become. A person with a mature heart. And how is such a mature life shown? A mature person treats others and themselves with understanding and patience. That is so beautiful… Because maturity does not mean being perfect. Maturity means: to forgive more quickly to judge more slowly to feel more deeply to react more lovingly Perhaps you remember situations in which you would have reacted very differently in the past… more easily hurt… more quickly disappointed… And today? Perhaps you pause for a moment… breathe… pray… and react differently… That is no coincidence. That is spiritual maturity. That is Jehovah working within you. And then comes this final, so comforting thought: A mature person can accept the ups and downs of life… with a certain calmness… And despite everything… joy and gratitude prevail. Is that not beautiful? That does not mean there are no more tears… But it means: Tears no longer have the final word. Because deep in the heart something remains: Gratitude. For Jehovah… for his patience… for his love… Dear brothers and sisters, Jehovah does not expect us to be perfect immediately. But he rejoices when we grow… when we learn… when we mature… And perhaps we can say in prayer: “Jehovah… teach me to number my days… shape my heart… help me to become a person who truly loves…” Because in the end… a mature life is not a perfect life… but a life that has been touched by Jehovah. A heart that has learned to trust… to feel… to love… And such a heart… Jehovah will never overlook.

The early Christians weren't afraid of dying, they were in fact eager to go be thrown to the lions because they knew that they would be resurrected for their loyalty to God. It was their fearlessness in the face of death that made Christians different from the Romans, and their courage is what attracted many people to the faith. So don't be afraid dear sister, be proud of your secure future and show boldness for knowing that Jehovah will not abandon any of us in the grave. Our love for God is stronger than our fears of war ☺️

That is the first thing I thought of!

I don't want to die. Nobody does. I think I'm more afraid of losing one or both of my kids to an errant missile attack than anything else.