Supermassive black holes at the centers of large galaxies, like Messier 87, consume nearby matter and emit massive plasma jets. New Hubble Space Telescope research reveals that double-star systems near these jets live risky lives. In such systems, a normal star can transfer hydrogen to a white dwarf, leading to nova explosions. These eruptions are nearly twice as likely near Messier 87’s jets. Scientists initially speculated that the jets might enhance the fueling process or create new double-star systems, increasing the explosion rate.