Are Black Holes in Our Galaxy Composed of Dark Matter? Exploring the Connection

Posted on February 19, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Polarized Image of Sagittarius A*

Credit: EHT Collaboration

At the galactic center lies the enigmatic supermassive black hole, Sagittarius A*. Some researchers propose that this may not be a black hole at all, but rather clusters of dark matter.

Dark matter, which comprises about 85% of the universe’s matter, does not interact with light or normal matter outside of gravitational forces. Despite its significance, our understanding of dark matter is limited. As Valentina Crespi from the National University of La Plata (UNLP) notes, “While we know dark matter exists at the galaxy’s edge, the core remains a mystery.”

Crespi and her team developed a model of a galactic nucleus made of dark matter consisting of light particles called fermions. Their findings suggest that fermion dark matter can clump in ways that resemble supermassive black holes from afar.

“From Earth, this scenario appears akin to what one would expect from a black hole; however, a spacecraft could pass through without any issues,” explains Carlos Arguelles, part of the UNLP research team. “Even if you were swallowed by a black hole, you wouldn’t perish; you would pass through safely.”

The researchers base their model on the orbit of a star near Sagittarius A* and a small gas cloud, aligning with observations of galaxy rotation and imagery from the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) from 2022. This imaging reveals a glowing ring of superheated matter around Sagittarius A*, potentially influenced by a dark matter core.

However, observation support for the dark matter theory does not confirm its validity. Gaston Gillibet from New York University stresses, “While this simple explanation aligns with the evidence, I still believe the central object is likely a black hole.” He emphasizes the necessity of remaining open to all possibilities in this fascinating debate.

Concerns arise regarding the model’s applicability to observations near the event horizon. Shep Doeleman from Harvard University notes that the distinctive spiral pattern of the magnetic field in this region corresponds closely with black hole characteristics.

Moreover, fermion dark matter’s clumping is limited to about 10 million times the Sun’s mass. Although this could explain the majestic size of supermassive black holes, images of M87*—a black hole substantially larger than Sagittarius A*—complicate this theory as M87* closely resembles Sagittarius A* despite its size of approximately 6.5 billion solar masses.

Researchers admit that both dark matter and black hole theories hold equal plausibility. Crespi notes, “While we have enhanced tools today, confirming the nature of these phenomena is still not foolproof.” Achieving the necessary image resolution for this identification would extend far beyond the capabilities of even the next-generation EHT, indicating that definitive answers may be decades away.

If Sagittarius A* is indeed a manifestation of dark matter, it would profoundly impact our understanding of the universe. Fermion dark matter, which current cosmological models do not predict, could revolutionize not only our comprehension of black holes but also our entire cosmic paradigm.

Explore the Mysteries of the Universe: Cheshire, England

Join leading scientists for a weekend of exploration into the universe’s mysteries, with an engaging program that includes a visit to the iconic Lovell Telescope.

Topics:

This rewrite maintains HTML tags while optimizing the content for SEO, focusing on relevant keywords and clarity.

Source: www.newscientist.com

Event Horizon Telescope Discovers Potential Origin of Messier 87 Black Hole’s Jet

Posted on February 3, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Astronomers utilizing the groundbreaking Event Horizon Telescope—a global network of eight advanced radio telescopes—have pinpointed the likely origin of a massive space jet emanating from the core of Messier 87.

This Webb/NIRCam image showcases the extraordinary space jet of Messier 87. Image credits: Jan Röder, Maciek Wielgus, Joseph B. Jensen, Gagandeep S. Anand, R. Brent Tully.

Messier 87, a colossal elliptical galaxy situated approximately 53 million light-years away in the Virgo constellation, is of great scientific interest.

Also known as M87, Virgo A, and NGC 4486, this galaxy hosts a supermassive black hole, approximately 6 billion times the mass of our Sun.

This supermassive black hole generates a striking, narrow jet of particles that extends roughly 3,000 light-years into the cosmos.

To investigate such distant regions, astronomers are combining radio telescopes from around the world to create a virtual Earth-sized observatory known as the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT).

Using EHT observations of M87 conducted in 2021, researchers assessed the brightness of radio emissions at various spatial scales.

They discovered that the luminous ring surrounding the black hole does not account for all radio emissions, identifying an additional compact source approximately 0.09 light-years from the black hole that aligns with the predicted location of the jet’s base.

“By pinpointing where the jet originates and how it connects to the black hole’s shadow, we are adding significant insights into this cosmic puzzle,” stated Saurabh, a student at the Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy and a member of the EHT Collaboration.

“The newly collected data is currently undergoing analysis with contributions from international partners and will soon incorporate additional telescopes, improving our understanding of this area,” remarked Dr. Sebastiano von Fehrenberg, an astronomer at the Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics.

“This will provide us with a much clearer view of the jet’s launch region.”

“We’re transitioning from merely calculating the positions of these structures to aiming for direct imaging,” he added.

“The jet is postulated to be launched using the rotational energy of the black hole through electromagnetic processes, presenting a unique laboratory where general relativity and quantum electrodynamics intersect,” explained Professor Bert Lipperda, also from the Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics.

“Studying how jets are launched in proximity to a black hole’s event horizon is a crucial advancement in our comprehension of these cosmic titans.”

“The observational data will empower scientists to test theories regarding the interplay between gravity and magnetism in the universe’s most extreme environments, bringing us closer to understanding the ‘engines’ that shape entire galaxies.”

Find more details in the result published in the Journal on January 28, 2026, in Astronomy and Astrophysics.

_____

Saurabh et al. 2026. Investigation of the jet-based ejection from M87* with 2021 Event Horizon Telescope observations. A&A 706, A27; doi: 10.1051/0004-6361/202557022

Source: www.sci.news

Massive Black Holes: Potential Remnants from the Early Universe Explained

Posted on January 2, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Primordial black holes likely formed shortly after the Big Bang.

Shutterstock/Mohd. Afuza

An exceptionally massive black hole from the early universe may represent a type of exotic starless black hole first theorized by Stephen Hawking.

In August, Boyuan Liu and his team from the University of Cambridge used the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to uncover a peculiar galaxy named Abell 2744-QSO1. This ancient galaxy, dating back 13 billion years, harbored a black hole around 50 million times the mass of our Sun but hosted extremely few stars.

“This contradicts traditional theories which dictate that stars must form prior to or simultaneously with black holes,” Liu explained. Typically, black holes are believed to evolve when massive stars exhaust their fuel and undergo gravitational collapse.

Liu and his team conducted initial simulations suggesting that QSO1 might have originated as a primordial black hole—an exotic concept introduced by Stephen Hawking and Bernard Carr in 1974. Unlike conventional black holes, primordial black holes are thought to form from density fluctuations shortly after the Big Bang.

While most primordial black holes likely evaporated by the time of the JWST’s observations, some might have persisted, evolving into larger black holes like QSO1.

Although Liu and his team’s calculations align broadly with their observations, they remain relatively simple and do not factor in the intricate interactions among primordial black holes, gas clouds, and stars.

Now, the authors have employed advanced simulations to investigate how primordial black holes grew in the universe’s infancy. They analyzed how gas dynamics influenced the formation of early primordial black holes and how interactions with newly formed and dying stars affected them.

Their predictions about the black hole’s ultimate mass and the heavy elements present in it are congruent with the findings from QSO1.

“It’s not conclusive, but it represents a compelling possibility,” Liu stated. “These observations suggest that established black hole formation theories may not fully explain the phenomenon, making the notion of a significant primordial black hole in the early universe increasingly plausible.”

Simulations indicate that primordial black holes could be a feasible origin for QSO1, according to Roberto Maiorino, a team member involved in the discovery of black holes. “The alignment of their predicted properties with those of QSO1, in terms of black hole mass, stellar mass, and chemical composition, is both intriguing and promising.”

However, standard models of primordial black holes typically predict that their maximum mass should be around a million solar masses, while Maiorino pointed out that QSO1 is 50 times larger. “Nevertheless, it’s plausible that these primordial black holes are densely concentrated, allowing them to merge and grow rapidly,” he noted.

A further challenge arises from the requirement that for a primordial black hole to initially collapse, a burst of high-energy radiation, like that from a nearby supernova, is essential; however, no potential sources have been identified near QSO1, according to Maiorino.

Mysteries of the Universe: Cheshire, England

Experience a weekend with some of the brightest scientific minds as you delve into the universe’s mysteries, featuring an exciting itinerary that includes a tour of the iconic Lovell Telescope.

Topics:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Discovery of Three Supermassive Black Holes Merging into One: A Cosmic Event Unveiled

Posted on December 31, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Supermassive black holes can consume or merge with other black holes.

Mark Garlick/Science Photo Library

Supermassive black holes absorbing matter — Supermassive black holes can consume or merge with other black holes.

Mark Garlick/Science Photo Library

Recent studies reveal that three galaxies featuring supermassive black holes at their cores are merging into a colossal galaxy—a phenomenon rarely observed in astronomy.

Astronomers posit that to achieve their immense sizes, supermassive black holes often need to engulf or merge with other massive black holes during galactic collisions. Discovering these events is challenging, as they are short-lived compared to a black hole’s lifespan. These mergers are most easily detected when a black hole is actively consuming matter and emitting light, which is not frequently the case. Currently, only around 150 pairs of merging galactic black holes have been identified.

Researchers at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, D.C., led by Emma Schwartzman, have identified a trio of supermassive black holes actively feeding and functioning as a single system. “The more galaxies involved, the rarer this system becomes,” Schwartzman noted.

Each supermassive black hole emits low-frequency radiation as radio waves, which can penetrate dust that obscures other forms of light. This characteristic enabled Schwartzman and her team to conduct observations using the Very Long Baseline Array in Hawaii and the Very Large Array in New Mexico, effectively ruling out alternate light sources such as star-filled galaxies.

“What’s particularly intriguing is that all three of these black holes show signs of merging. There’s no guarantee we will observe emissions in the radio spectrum that we haven’t detected before,” Schwartzman commented.

According to Isabella Lamperti, a researcher at the University of Florence, there are visible indications that the galaxies are beginning to interact. Given that two of the galaxies are approximately 70,000 light-years apart, and the third is 300,000 light-years away, this interaction is still in a relatively early phase.

However, considering their life spans spanning billions of years, we are witnessing a dramatic conclusion. “It’s akin to capturing the final moments of a melodrama where the galaxies converge,” commented Emma Kuhn from Ruhr University Bochum, Germany.

Simulating the merging of three active supermassive black holes presents substantial difficulty, but observing this unique system will provide physicists with better insights into more intricate mergers, according to Kuhn. “This marks the initial step in unraveling the physics underlying the system,” she stated.

Explore the Mysteries of the Universe in Cheshire, England

Join a weekend filled with learning alongside some of science’s brightest minds as you delve into the mysteries of the universe. The program includes a fascinating tour of the iconic Lovell Telescope.

Topics:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Did Black Holes Exist in the Early Universe? Exploring the Evidence

Posted on December 22, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

A New Discovery: Gas Balls with Black Holes at Their Centers

Shutterstock / Nazarii_Neshcherenskyi

Gas ball with a black hole — A New Discovery: Gas Balls with Black Holes at Their Centers

Shutterstock / Nazarii_Neshcherenskyi

The early universe is rich with enigmatic star-like gas balls powered by central black holes, a discovery that has astounded astronomers and may clarify some of the most significant mysteries unveiled by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST).

Upon initiating its observations of the universe’s first billion years, JWST uncovered compact, red galaxies that exhibited extraordinary brightness—galaxies unlike those found in our local universe. Previous interpretations suggested that these “small red dots” (LRDs) were either supermassive black holes engulfed in dust or densely packed star galaxies; however, these theories inadequately explained the light signals detected by JWST.

Recently, astronomers suggested that LRDs might actually be dense gas clusters with a black hole at their core, termed “black hole stars.” According to Anna de Graaf from Harvard University, as matter falls into a black hole, it emits immense gravitational energy, causing the surrounding gas to radiate light like stars. While this energy is distinct from nuclear fusion typical in stars, it results in a luminous mass of dense gas potentially billions of times brighter than our sun, according to de Graaf.

Despite some early evidence supporting this idea, a consensus remained elusive. Now, de Graaf and colleagues have reviewed the most extensive sample of LRDs since JWST’s launch, encompassing over 100 galaxies, and propose that these entities are best classified as black hole stars. “Although the term black hole star is still debated, there’s growing agreement within the scientific community that we’re observing accreting black holes enveloped by dense gas,” de Graaf noted.

When examining the spectrum of light emitted by an LRD, the observed patterns more closely resemble those from a uniform surface (blackbody) characteristic of stars, contrasting with the intricate and varied spectra from galaxies emitting light produced by a combination of stars, dust, gas, and central black holes.

“The black hole star concept has intrigued scientists for a while and, despite initial skepticism, is proving to be a viable explanation,” states Gillian Bellovary of the American Museum of Natural History. “Using a star-like model simplifies the framework for interpreting observations without necessitating extraordinary physics.”

In September, de Graaf’s team also identified another single LRD displaying a striking peak in the light frequency spectrum, which they dubbed “the cliff.” “We discovered spectral characteristics unexplainable by existing models,” de Graaf explained. “This pushes us to reevaluate our understanding and explore alternative theories.”

Presently, many astronomers agree that LRDs likely operate like vast star formations; however, de Graaf cautions that substantiating the black hole hypothesis presents challenges. “The core is hidden within a dense, optically thick envelope, obscuring what’s inside,” de Graaf explains. “Their brightness leads us to suspect they harbor black holes.”

A potential method to affirm their nature as black holes involves studying the temporal changes in emitted light, observing whether they fluctuate akin to known black holes in our universe, as noted by Western Hanki from Cambridge University. “We note brightness variances over brief intervals, yet there’s scant evidence of such variations in most LRD cases.”

While JWST’s observational timeframe is limited, scrutinizing long-lived light fluctuations from LRDs may yield insights. A new study by Sun Fengwu and his team at Harvard recently uncovered a gravitational lens, an LRD that bends light around a massive galaxy between us and the object. This lens generated four distinct images of the original LRD, mimicking observations over 130 years and suggesting brightness variations similar to known pulsating stars, aligning with the hypothesis of black hole stars. Sun and his team opted not to comment for this article.

Although utilizing gravitational lenses to observe LRDs at different times is clever, Bellovary notes that other factors might account for brightness changes. “The data may not suffice to validate their conclusion. While I’m not dismissing their claims, I think there may be alternative explanations for the observed variations.”

If it turns out these galaxies are indeed black hole stars, de Graaf warns we’ll need to devise a new model addressing their origin and what they evolve into, given the absence of equivalent systems in our local universe. “This could represent a new growth phase for supermassive black holes,” she concludes. “The nature of these events and their significance to the final mass of black holes remains an open question.”

Explore the Mysteries of the Universe in Cheshire, England

Join leading scientists for an exciting weekend dedicated to uncovering the universe’s mysteries, including a tour of the iconic Lovell Telescope.

Topics:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Monte Sierpe: Mysterious Thousands of ‘Holes’ in Peru Could Have Served as an Ancient Barter Market

Posted on November 12, 2025 by

Monte Sierpe, meaning “Mountain of the Serpent” and informally referred to as the “Zone of Holes,” is situated in the Pisco Valley of southern Peru. It comprises around 5,200 meticulously aligned holes. Recent studies indicate that the site may have originally functioned as a barter market, bringing together a variety of people for trade.

Aerial view of Monte Sierpe looking northeast. Image credit: Jacob Bongers, University of Sydney.

Stretching over 1.5 km in the Pisco Valley of the southern Peruvian Andes, Monte Sierpe features approximately 5,200 carefully aligned holes (ranging from 1–2 m in width and 0.5–1 m in depth) arranged in distinct sections.

This extraordinary structure likely dates back to at least the Late Middle Period (1000-1400 AD) and was actively used by the Incas (1400-1532 AD).

Initially brought to modern attention in 1933 following an aerial photo published in National Geographic, the specific purpose of the monument remains a mystery.

Speculations about its function include various roles such as defense, storage, accounting, water collection, fog capture, and horticulture, but the actual intent continues to elude researchers.

“What led ancient people to excavate over 5,000 holes in the hills of southern Peru? Were they used for gardens? Did they provide water? Did they serve agricultural purposes?” inquires Dr. Jacob Bongers, a digital archaeologist from the University of Sydney.

“While we cannot ascertain their purpose, our new data offers significant clues and supports emerging theories regarding the site’s utilization.”

Utilizing drone technology, Dr. Bongers and his team mapped the site, uncovering numerical patterns in its layout that indicate intentional organization.

Interestingly, the archaeologists also found that the configuration of Monte Sierpe resembles that of at least one Inca quipu (an ancient knotted string for accounting) discovered in the same valley.

“This discovery significantly enhances our understanding of the origins and variety of indigenous accounting practices both within and outside the Andes,” noted Dr. Bongers.

Soil samples taken from the holes revealed ancient maize pollen, one of the Andes’ key staple crops, along with reeds traditionally utilized for basket making for millennia.

These surprising findings indicate that ancient people likely planted crops in the holes, using woven baskets and bundles for transport.

“This is quite intriguing. Perhaps this area functioned as a pre-Inca market, akin to a flea market,” remarked Dr. Bongers.

“We estimate that the pre-Hispanic population in this region was around 100,000. It likely served as a meeting point for traveling merchants, including llama caravan traders, as well as local professionals like farmers and fishermen to trade goods like corn and cotton.”

“Fundamentally, I believe these holes served as a form of social technology that unified individuals and later evolved into a comprehensive accounting system under the Inca Empire.”

“Numerous questions remain: Why is this monument unique to this location and not found throughout the Andes?”

“Was Monte Sierpe a type of ‘landscape’? – Nevertheless, we are gradually moving closer to unraveling the mysteries of this fascinating site. It’s genuinely exciting.”

Refer to the study published in the Journal on November 10, 2025 ancient.

_____

Jacob L. Bongers et al. Indigenous accounting and interaction at Monte Sierpe (“Band of Holes”), Pisco Valley, Peru. ancient published online on November 10, 2025. doi: 10.15184/aqy.2025.10237

Source: www.sci.news

Uneven ‘Caterpillar Wormholes’ Could Link Intertwined Black Holes

Posted on November 5, 2025 by

Sometimes the wormhole is bumpy

Shutterstock / Champei

What occurs when two black holes share an unbreakable quantum connection? Research indicates this may lead to a textured space-time passage referred to as an “Einstein-Rosen caterpillar.”

Albert Einstein’s name links two distinct physical anomalies. The first is the Einstein-Rosen bridge (a wormhole that links distant regions in space and time), and the second is the Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen pair, characterized by an inseparable property called quantum entanglement. In a 2013 study, physicists Juan Maldacena from Princeton University and Leonard Susskind of Stanford University proposed that these phenomena may be similar concerning black holes.

Now, Brian Swingle and a team at Brandeis University in Massachusetts have found that this equivalence might only hold under certain conditions. They conducted a mathematical analysis of entangled black holes and discovered that the situation is more intricate and less straightforward than previously assumed.

Swingle stated that exploring the wormholes linking quantum entangled black holes could ultimately aid scientists in gaining deeper insights into black hole interiors. Black holes are enigmatic entities that remain poorly understood due to their immense gravitational fields. Mathematical theories suggest that the size of a black hole’s interior corresponds to its complexity, linked to its fundamental quantum components. The researchers pondered whether a similar principle could apply to wormholes joining black hole pairs.

This presents a significant challenge because a comprehensive understanding of black hole entanglement necessitates a thorough theory of quantum gravity, which has yet to be established. Instead, the team utilized a model that imperfectly combines quantum physics and gravity, but still offers relevant insights, according to Swingle.

The researchers found a mathematical relationship between the level of microscopic quantum randomness within a wormhole and its geometric length. Their results indicated that typical wormholes tend to be more bumpy and less smooth, leading to their comparison with caterpillars. Swingle noted that this contrasts with earlier findings from 2013 and may pertain to special, less common instances where the entangled state of the black holes generates a smooth wormhole between them.

Donald Marolf from the University of California, Santa Barbara, remarked that while the study sheds light on black hole entanglement, it has not yet clarified the most frequent scenarios of such entanglement. He pointed out that the set of all theoretically possible black hole states is vast, exceeding the total number of black holes in our universe, thus requiring further theoretical exploration to definitively determine the typical connected states of a pair of black holes.

Future studies could involve utilizing quantum computers to simulate cosmic black holes and caterpillar wormholes, Swingle suggested. His team’s methodology linked simplified quantum theory with gravitational theory, so as quantum computing advances become more powerful and reliable, it may offer new understandings of both quantum theory and gravitational concepts. Since their calculations already incorporate elements of quantum information theory, Swingle foresees potential breakthroughs in quantum computing algorithms inspired by research into gravitational mysteries.

topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

RadioAstron Reveals Stunning Images of Two Orbiting Supermassive Black Holes

Posted on October 10, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Astronomers leveraged data from the Radio Astron satellite to generate radio images of two supermassive black holes located at the core of a distant quasar, OJ287. The secondary black hole follows a 12-year orbit around the primary black hole.

The RadioAstron will map two supermassive black holes at the center of galaxy OJ 287, located about 5 billion light-years away in the constellation Cancer. The middle component corresponds to a primary black hole, while the next higher component indicates a secondary black hole, and the highest component represents the knot of its jet. The apparent elongation of the individual components is not real but rather reflects the beam’s shape. Image credit: Valtonen et al., doi: 10.3847/1538-4357/ae057e.

Quasars are exceptionally luminous galactic nuclei whose brightness arises when a supermassive black hole at the galaxy’s center consumes surrounding cosmic gas and dust.

Previously, astronomers have successfully captured images of a black hole at the center of the Milky Way and another in the nearby galaxy known as Messier 87.

“Quasar OJ 287 is so luminous that even amateur astronomers using commercial telescopes can observe it,” remarked Dr. Mauri Valtonen, an astronomer from the University of Turku.

“What sets OJ 287 apart is that it is believed to have two black holes that orbit each other every 12 years, creating a distinct pattern of light fluctuations over the same interval.”

“The earliest observations of OJ 287 date back to the 19th century, captured through old photographs.”

“At that time, the concept of black holes, not to mention quasars, was unimaginable.”

“OJ 287 was inadvertently captured in photographs while astronomers were focused on other celestial objects.”

In 1982, Dr. Valtonen observed that the brightness of the object varied regularly over a 12-year cycle.

He continued his research as a university scholar and proposed that these brightness variations could be due to two black holes orbiting one another.

Numerous astronomers have been closely monitoring quasars to validate this theory and to gain a comprehensive understanding of the orbital motion of the black holes.

The mystery regarding this orbit was finally clarified four years ago by astronomer Lankeswar Dey from the University of Turku.

The only remaining question was whether both black holes could be detected simultaneously.

The solution came from NASA’s TESS satellite, which identified light emission from both black holes.

However, the images captured under normal light lacked the resolution to distinguish the black holes as separate entities, so they were still represented merely as single points.

What was necessary were images with a resolution 100,000 times greater than that attainable by standard radio telescopes.

In this research, Valtonen and his collaborators compared initial theoretical models with radio images.

The two black holes were precisely positioned in the images where they were anticipated to be.

This finding successfully addressed a question that had lingered for four decades: the existence of black hole pairs.

“For the first time, we were able to create images revealing two black holes in orbit around each other,” noted Dr. Valtonen.

“In the image, the black hole is marked by the powerful jets of particles it emits.”

“While the black hole itself is entirely black, it can be identified by the jets of particles and the luminous gas surrounding it.”

Researchers also discovered a completely new type of jet emanating from black holes.

The jet from the secondary black hole of OJ 287 is twisted, resembling the jet from a spinning garden hose.

“This is due to the smaller black hole moving more swiftly around the primary black hole, causing its jet to be deflected according to its current trajectory,” the authors explained.

Their paper was published in the Astrophysical Journal.

_____

Mauri J. Valtonen et al. 2025. Secondary jet identified in RadioAstron images of OJ 287. APJ 992, 110; doi: 10.3847/1538-4357/ae057e

Source: www.sci.news

Astronomers Discover Vast Numbers of Black Holes 12.8 Billion Light Years Away, Actively Growing

Posted on September 19, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The immense black hole at the center of Radio Quasar RACS J032021.44-352104.1 (shortened to RACS J0320-35) is currently expanding at one of the fastest rates ever recorded.

Artist illustrations and x-ray images from Chandra for Racs J0320-35. Image credits: NASA/CXC/INAF-BRERA/IGHINA et al. / SAO / M. WEISS / N. WOLK.

The black hole residing in RACS J0320-35 has a mass approximately 1 billion times greater than that of the sun.

This system is situated about 12.8 billion light-years away from Earth, meaning astronomers are observing it as it existed just 920 million years after the universe’s inception.

It emits more X-rays than any other black hole identified in the universe’s first billion years.

Black holes are the driving force behind what scientists refer to as quasars.

This luminous giant’s energy is fueled by the significant amount of material that falls into the black hole.

The same research team discovered this black hole two years prior, but further observations from Chandra were required in 2023 to gain more insights.

Data from X-ray observations suggests that this black hole is expanding at a rate that exceeds the typical limits for such objects.

“It was somewhat surprising to observe such a dramatic growth in this black hole,” commented Dr. Luca Idina, an astronomer at the Harvard & Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics.

As material is drawn towards the black hole, it heats up and generates intense radiation across a wide spectrum, including X-rays and optical light. This radiation creates pressure on the infalling material.

Once the falling speed reaches a critical threshold, the radiation pressure counterbalances the black hole’s gravity, making it usually impossible for material to fall inward more rapidly. This upper limit is known as the Eddington limit.

Researchers believe that black holes growing slower than the Eddington limit must originate with solar masses exceeding 10,000, allowing them to achieve a mass of 1 billion solar masses in the early universe.

Such massive black holes may originate from unique processes, often linked to incredibly dense clouds of gas that contain heavier elements than helium.

Interestingly, RACS J0320-35 is expanding at a remarkable speed, estimated to be 2.4 times greater than the Eddington limit, indicating that its formation may have followed a more typical path, beginning with a mass of less than 100 solar masses resulting from massive star explosions.

“By determining a black hole’s mass and growth rate, we can infer its initial size,” said Dr. Alberto Moretti, an astronomer at INAF-Osservatorio Astronomico di Brera.

“This calculation permits us to evaluate various theories regarding the formation of black holes.”

To investigate how rapidly this black hole is growing (at rates between 300 and 3,000 solar masses per year), researchers compared the theoretical model with Chandra’s X-ray spectra, assessing the X-rays emitted at various energy levels.

The findings indicated that Chandra’s spectrum closely matched their expectations based on a model for black holes developing beyond the Eddington limit.

Supporting data from optical and infrared observations further corroborates the conclusion that this black hole is accumulating mass faster than the Eddington limit permits.

“How did the universe generate the first generation of black holes?” mused Dr. Thomas Connor, an astronomer at the Harvard & Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics.

“This is one of the most pressing questions in astrophysics, and this singular object propels our quest for answers.”

Moreover, this research also sheds light on the origins of the jets of particles emitted by some black holes that approach the speed of light, as observed in RACS J0320-35.

“Jets like these are uncommon in quasars, suggesting that the accelerated growth of black holes may play a role in the formation of these jets,” the author remarked.

Their paper is set to be published in the Astrophysical Journal.

____

Luca Idina et al. 2025. X-ray investigation of the possibility of Super Eddington accretion in a wireless loudsal of Z = 6.13. apjl 990, L56; doi: 10.3847/2041-8213/aded0a

Source: www.sci.news

EHT Reveals Changing Polarization Patterns in Black Holes of Messier 87

Posted on September 17, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Recent Observations of the M87* Black Hole by the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) – Eight Ground-Based Radio Telescopes (ALMA, APEX, Iram 30 m Telescope, James Clerk Maxwell Telescope, Lage Millimeter Telescope Alfonso Serrano, Submillimeter Array Telescope) – Unveil a dynamic environment with varying polarization patterns near black holes.

The EHT images show that the magnetic field of M87* spiraled in one direction in 2017, settled in 2018, and reversed direction in 2021. Image credit: EHT collaboration.

Messier 87 is a vast elliptical galaxy situated approximately 53 million light-years away in the Virgo constellation.

This galaxy, also known as M87, houses the M87*, an ultra-massive black hole with a mass exceeding 6 billion solar masses.

In 2017, the EHT Collaboration detected a helical polarization pattern, indicating large-scale twisted magnetic structures, confirming long-held hypotheses about black hole interactions and their surrounding environments.

However, by 2018, the polarization nearly vanished. In 2021, a faint remnant began to spiral in the opposite direction.

Astrophysicists are now grappling with the pivotal question: Why?

“Black holes hold mysteries tightly, yet we continue to seek answers from their grasp,” stated Professor Avery Broderick, an astrophysicist at the University of Waterloo and the Perimeter Institute.

“Our team at Waterloo is reconstructing images from EHT data and determining what we can confidently assert—distinguishing between realistic findings and potential instrumental artifacts.”

“We are at the forefront of deciphering how EHT images, particularly their evolution, can unveil astrophysical dramas unfolding in the most extreme gravitational conditions.”

Each year, EHT collaborations revisit M87*, capturing fleeting moments that reveal its ongoing evolution, providing deeper insights into its well-guarded secrets.

“What’s intriguing is that the ring sizes have remained consistent over the years, validating the shadows of black holes predicted by Einstein’s theory, while the polarization patterns change dramatically,” remarked Dr. Paul Thierde, an astronomer at the Harvard & Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics.

“This indicates that the magnetized plasma swirling near the event horizon is not static but dynamic and complex, challenging theoretical models.”

The stability of M87*’s shadow serves as evidence that “black holes have no hair,” implying that a black hole is a simple geometric entity defined exclusively by mass, spin, or charge.

“This simplicity makes it an intriguing object of study within gravity, allowing for precise predictions. Other astrophysical phenomena seem secondary,” elaborated Professor Broderick.

“However, the surrounding environment can exhibit ‘hair,’ with magnetic fields being notable examples.”

“We have long understood what types of magnetic structures could exist, but now we believe there’s a rich diversity of configurations that can change rapidly, similar to human hairstyles.”

“These findings illustrate how EHT is maturing into a full-fledged scientific observatory that not only produces unprecedented images but also fosters a continuous and coherent understanding of black hole physics.”

“Each new observational campaign broadens our understanding, from the dynamics of plasma and magnetic fields to the role of black holes in the evolution of cosmic structures.”

“This is a concrete demonstration of the extraordinary scientific potential of this infrastructure.”

The survey results will be published in the journal Astronomy and Astrophysics.

____

Kazunori Akiyama et al. (Event Horizon Telescope Collaboration). 2025. 2017-2021 Horizon scale variation of M87* from EHT observations. A&A in press; doi: 10.1051/0004-6361/202555855

Source: www.sci.news

The Universe’s Most Unusual Black Holes Could Soon Be Awakened

Posted on August 21, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

In February 2024, astronomers observed a peculiar phenomenon occurring in a galaxy located 300 light-years from Earth.

An enormous flare of X-ray light erupted from the ultra-massive black hole at its center, reaching brightness levels 10 times higher and emitting 100 times more energy than previously recorded.

Whatever unfolded in that distant black hole was nothing short of extraordinary.

After meticulously monitoring the situation for over a year, astronomers have come to realize they may have witnessed one of the universe’s most dramatic events.

Bright Light, Black Hole

According to the study, the flare observed in April 2025 could indicate that the black hole (dubbed Ansky) has begun to consume surrounding gas and dust.

This scenario may evoke the image of a colossal vacuum in the universe, but the reality is somewhat different.

While nothing can escape from the black hole’s grasp, this intense hold reaches only up to the event horizon.

https://c02.purpledshub.com/uploads/sites/41/2025/08/black-hole.mp4

An abundance of black holes comes to life in this artist’s impression. In 2024, astronomers noted similar flares from distant galaxies.

Beyond that limit, gravity draws gas and dust towards the black hole, creating what are known as accretion disks.

Typically, these disks orbit quietly around black holes, as seen at the heart of our galaxy, but they lack excitement.

That changes when something disrupts the disk. Environments near black holes are incredibly extreme, so even minor turbulence can cause gas to overheat, producing a bright glow.

In certain instances, black holes transform into active galactic nuclei, gathering more dust and gas from their surroundings and funneling some towards the event horizon.

This resulting chaos leads to excessive heating of the gas, which shines brilliantly, overshadowing the stars in its host galaxy.

The Black Hole Awakens

Astronomers have observed shifts in black holes from one state to another, particularly noting those that were previously dormant now burning brightly.

This is when scientists, like Lorena Hernandez Garcia from Valparaiso University in Chile, first detected flares emanating from Ansky, initially suspecting a tidal disruption event.

“These eruptions typically correlate with interactions between compact objects like stars and other black holes, or dense rings of gas and dust circling the black holes,” Hernandez Garcia stated in BBC Science Focus.

If an object nears the event horizon, the extreme gravity can tear it apart, resulting in a brilliant flash as each fragment approaches the black hole.

However, Hernández-García notes that “Ansky does not exhibit typical signs of tidal disruption events seen in other systems. There’s no evidence of such chaotic disruption. While we can’t entirely rule out the possibility of stars being torn apart, it would certainly be an unusual case.”

As something falls towards a black hole’s event horizon, time appears to slow down and freeze from a distant observer’s perspective. – Photo credit: Getty

Instead, Hernández-García believes that Ansky’s unusual behavior offers a unique glimpse into a small black hole transitioning into an active galactic nucleus.

“We think we are witnessing galaxies undergoing the ‘on-switch.’ That central black hole is starting to feed again,” stated Hernandez Garcia.

If accurate, Ansky presents astronomers with an unparalleled opportunity to observe one of the universe’s most significant transformations.

Catching a Waking Black Hole

One challenge astronomers face in capturing this phenomenon is the need for the right telescope at the right place and time.

Fortunately, Ansky had been under scrutiny by astronomers. Previously, it was merely another quiet, unremarkable black hole that received little attention.

However, it falls within the range of the Zwicky Transient Facility, a telescope that scans the sky nightly, documenting the brightness and position of stars and galaxies, and monitoring changes.

In December 2019, the galaxy housing Ansky notably brightened. Hernández-García explains, “We observed an increase in optical brightness of approximately 20% over just six months. Since then, the brightness has remained above its original level until 2025.”

Subsequently, astronomers have been monitoring Ansky for changes, including with NASA’s rapid X-ray telescopes.

Initially, there were no X-ray signals, but in February 2024, a bright flare was detected emanating from the black hole.

What remains unclear is the possible connection between the two events.

“We still don’t know if the 2019 optical brighter burst and the 2024 X-ray flare are part of the same process—essentially the black hole ‘waking up’—or if they represent separate phenomena,” says Hernández-García.

Ansky provides significant insight into what occurs when a black hole awakens, but astronomers need to observe more such events to truly understand the dynamics at play.

If all goes well, it won’t be long until the powerful Vera Rubin Observatory scans the sky for signs of unusual activities in the cosmic depths.

With more eyes on the sky than ever before, astronomers can capture even more of these dormant giants as they stir from their long, deep slumber.

About Our Experts

Lorena Hernández-García specializes in ultra-massive black holes, focusing on their feeding habits and the impacts on the surrounding galaxy environments.

Read more:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

New Theory Suggests Supermassive Black Holes Are Remnants of the Universe’s First Star

Posted on August 16, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

In a recent study, Professor Jonathan Tan, an astrophysicist from the University of Virginia and Chalmers Institute of Technology, suggests that the population III.1 supermassive star is the precursor to the ultra-high-massive black holes observed in the early universe. The intense high-energy photons emitted by the star ionized the surrounding hydrogen gas, creating a natural intergalactic medium that extended over millions of light-years. This process led to the formation of ultra-high massive black holes that caused a flash ionization, effectively ending the “dark age” of the universe.

An artist’s impression of the star field from population III that would have been visible hundreds of millions of years post-Big Bang. Image credits: noirlab/nsf/aura/J. da silva/SpaceEngine.

These black holes, residing at the centers of most large galaxies, including our Milky Way, typically possess masses millions or even billions of times greater than that of the Sun.

Their formation has sparked considerable debate, particularly with the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope uncovering numerous such black holes located far away that date back to the universe’s early days.

Professor Tan’s theory, referred to as “Pop III.1,” posits that all supermassive black holes originate from the first stars, termed debris Population III.1 stars, which grow to enormous sizes due to energy from a dark matter annihilation process. This theory aligns with many of Webb’s latest discoveries.

In his publication, Tan presents another prediction that may illuminate our understanding of the universe’s origins.

“Our model indicates that the ultra-large star progenitors of black holes ionize the surrounding hydrogen gas extremely quickly, signaling their emergence with a bright flash that permeates all space,” stated Professor Tan.

“Notably, this additional stage of ionization occurs at a significantly faster rate than seen in typical galaxies, potentially addressing recent challenges and discrepancies in cosmology.”

“This was an unexpected connection we identified during the development of the POP III.1 model, but it could have substantial significance.”

“Professor Tan has crafted a sophisticated model that elucidates the two-stage process of star formation and ionization in the early universe,” commented Professor Richard Ellis, a distinguished observational cosmologist from the University of London.

“The initial star, created from a brief, brilliant flash of light, may have since vanished. Thus, what we observed with Webb could represent a subsequent phase. The universe continues to amaze us with its surprises.”

Professor Tan’s paper is set to be published in the Astrophysics Journal Letter.

____

Jonathan C. Tan. 2025. POPIII.1 Flash ionization of the early universe by supermassive stars. apjl in press; Arxiv: 2506.18490

Source: www.sci.news

Astrophysicists Suggest Interstellar Missions to Explore Black Holes

Posted on August 12, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

In a new paper published in the journal Iscience, astrophysicists at the University of Fudan have explored the potential for sending nanocrafts from Earth to black holes located 20-25 light years away. This mission aims to investigate the properties of strong gravitational fields and the fundamental aspects of physics.

Black holes represent the strongest gravitational fields known in the universe and serve as ideal laboratories for testing Einstein’s general theory of relativity under extreme conditions. Professor Bambi discusses the speculative nature and challenges of launching small spacecraft to the nearest black hole, yet emphasizes that it remains a plausible endeavor. Image credit: Cosimo Bambi, doi: 10.1016/j.isci.2025.113142.

“While we lack the necessary technology today, it may be feasible in 20 or 30 years,” stated Professor Cosimo Bambi, an astrophysicist and black hole specialist at the University of Fudan.

“Two significant challenges lie ahead: identifying a nearby black hole and developing a probe that can survive the journey.”

Currently, the closest recognized black hole to Earth is Gaia BH1, which was discovered in September 2022 and is located 1,560 light-years away.

However, it is anticipated that many undiscovered black holes may exist closer to Earth.

Simple estimations suggest that, despite significant uncertainties, the closest black hole could potentially be within only 20-25 light years.

“Our understanding of stellar evolution implies that black holes might be hidden just 20 to 25 light years from Earth, but detecting them is not straightforward,” noted Professor Bambi.

“Since black holes do not emit or reflect light, they are nearly invisible to telescopes.”

“Scientists typically rely on observing nearby stars and their interactions with light to identify and study these elusive objects.”

“New methods have been developed for detecting black holes, and I believe it is reasonable to expect the discovery of something nearby within the next decade.”

Once a target is located, the subsequent challenge will be reaching it.

Traditional spacecraft powered by chemical fuels lack the efficiency needed for such long journeys.

Professor Bambi suggests nanocraft as a promising solution—tiny probes consisting of microchips and light sails.

Lasers from Earth would propel the sails using photons, accelerating the craft to one-third the speed of light.

“At that speed, a craft could arrive at a black hole 20 to 25 light years away within about 70 years,” he explained.

“The data collected would then take roughly another 20 years to return to Earth, leading to a total mission duration of approximately 80-100 years.”

“When the craft nears a black hole, researchers could conduct experiments to answer some of the most pivotal questions in physics.”

“Does a black hole truly possess an event horizon? Can light escape the gravitational pull beyond that point?”

“Do the laws of physics alter in proximity to black holes?”

“Is Einstein’s general theory of relativity upheld in the universe’s most extreme conditions?”

“The laser system alone could cost 1 trillion euros, and currently, we lack the technology to fabricate nanocrafts,” Professor Bambi stated.

“Nevertheless, in 30 years, those costs might decrease, and technological advancements could align with these ambitious concepts.”

“While it may sound quite outlandish and resembles science fiction, past disbeliefs—like the detection of weak gravitational waves or imaging black hole shadows—have been proven wrong over time.”

____

Cosimo Bambi. Interstellar missions to test astrophysical black holes. Iscience. Published online on August 7th, 2025. doi:10.1016/j.isci.2025.113142

Source: www.sci.news

Mysterious Viscous Stars Might Be Imitating Black Holes

Posted on August 9, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Could the gravitational wave signal be from a black hole or something more peculiar?

Titoonz / Alamy

Exotic viscous stars might emulate signals from black holes, mirroring the ripples in spacetime.

Since 2015, scientists have been uncovering the universe’s secrets by monitoring both light waves and gravitational waves, the ripples in the cosmos. Jaime Redondo-Yuste from the Neals Bohr Institute in Denmark and his team found that they can reflect gravitational waves, similar to light waves, but only from unusually viscous celestial objects.

The researchers began exploring the possibility of creating a gravitational wave mirror. While earlier studies hinted at its feasibility, developing equations that adhere to physical laws proved challenging. They eventually understood that reflectors don’t need to be flat.

“We can have a spherical mirror, and we need stars,” explains Redondo-Yuste. However, these stars must possess an extraordinarily high viscosity akin to molasses. Their calculations indicated that such stars could indeed reflect gravitational waves, as they are too rigid to be disturbed by passing waves.

Daniel Kennefick from the University of Arkansas highlights that this behavior is rare since most materials are transparent to gravitational waves, just as glass is to light. “Even when we are very near sources of powerful gravitational waves, they pass through us without any noticeable effect,” he remarks.

In addition to their strangeness, stars capable of deflecting gravitational waves must be compact and on the brink of collapsing into black holes. Redondo-Yuste notes that black holes themselves are very viscous. Therefore, when gravitational wave signals reach Earth, other highly viscous objects could be misidentified as black holes, with subtle differences in their signals. For instance, collisions between viscous stars and black holes would yield slightly distinct gravitational wave signatures due to tidal influences.

Researchers have previously detected celestial bodies believed to have heightened viscosity, such as extremely hot neutron stars formed from the merger of others. However, it’s still uncertain whether these stars possess sufficient viscosity to align with the team’s mathematical model, according to Paolopani from the University of Sapienza in Rome, Italy.

He suggests that forthcoming gravitational wave detectors will enhance our understanding of the viscosity of known objects and assist in discovering new ones. “This serves as a prelude to what we should be searching for,” Kennefick says.

To date, observational data hasn’t provided strong evidence for classifying what scientists identify as a black hole as an exotic star. All three researchers agree that the likelihood of observing these viscous stars has been minimal thus far.

“However, it’s our responsibility to continue these investigations,” insists Redondo-Yuste. “Only in this way can we compile a complete catalog of the entities populating our universe.”

topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Astronomers Uncover the Largest Black Holes Yet

Posted on August 8, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Astronomers have discovered and quantified the largest black hole ever found. This colossal black hole approaches the theoretical maximum size allowable in the universe and is approximately 10,000 times the mass of Sagittarius A*, the supermassive black hole located at the center of the Milky Way.

This Hubble image features a horseshoe-shaped gravity lens (from center to right). Behind it is a blue galaxy, distorted into a horseshoe-shaped ring by the space-time distortion caused by the massive orange galaxies in the foreground. Image credits: NASA/ESA/Hubble.

The newly identified ultramassive black hole resides in the Space Horseshoe Gravity Lens System, which is among the largest known strong gravitational lenses.

This lens system, referred to as SDSS J1148+1930 and CSWA 1, lies 5 billion light years away in the Leo constellation.

“Typically, mass measurements of black holes in such distant systems can only be done when they are active,” remarks PhD Carlos Melo from Universidade Federativa do Rio Grande do Sul.

“However, these estimates based on accretion are often fraught with significant uncertainty.”

“Our method integrates strong gravitational lenses with stellar dynamics to yield more direct and reliable measurements, even in these distant systems.”

“The black holes we discovered rank among the top 10 largest black holes known, possibly even the largest,” adds Professor Thomas Collett from the University of Portsmouth.

“Most existing mass measurements for black holes are indirect and come with high uncertainties, so I can’t definitively say which one is the largest. But our new method provides much greater confidence in the mass of this black hole.”

The research team employed a synergy of gravitational lenses and stellar motions to locate the space horseshoe-shaped black holes.

This technique is considered the gold standard for black hole mass measurement, but galaxies are often too small in the sky to resolve areas containing these supermassive black holes, limiting effectiveness in distant contexts.

“The inclusion of a gravitational lens allowed us to explore further into the cosmos,” noted Professor Collett.

“We observed the influence of a black hole in two specific ways: it alters the path light takes as it navigates through the black hole, and stars in the galaxy’s core are observed moving incredibly fast (almost 400 km/s).”

“By correlating these two measurements, we can confidently establish the black hole’s authenticity.”

“This discovery pertains to a ‘dormant’ black hole, which does not actively consume material at the time of observation,” Melo explained.

“The detection relied solely on its immense gravitational pull and its effects on surrounding matter.”

“What’s particularly thrilling is that this method enables us to identify and gauge the masses of these elusive supermassive black holes across the universe, even when they lie completely dormant.”

An intriguing aspect of the Cosmic Horseshoe system is that its host galaxy is classified as a fossil group.

Fossil groups represent the final phase of the universe’s most colossal gravitationally-bound structures, formed from the collapse of a single, large galaxy devoid of bright companions.

“It is plausible that the supermassive black holes originally found in the companion galaxy contributed to the formation of the supermassive black holes we have identified,” Professor Collett noted.

“Thus, we can observe both the conclusion of galaxy formation and the cessation of black hole growth.”

The team’s paper was published today in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.

____

Carlos R Melo-Carneiro et al. 2025. We are pleased to announce the discovery of a 36 billion solar-mass black hole at the core of the Cosmic Horseshoe Gravity Lens. MNRAS 541(4): 2853-2871; doi: 10.1093/mnras/staf1036

Source: www.sci.news

Exploring Black Holes with Interstellar Nanocrafts: A Guide

Posted on August 7, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Conceptual image of a spacecraft navigating near a black hole

Liuzishan/Getty Images

An interstellar spacecraft designed to explore a black hole could transmit data back to Earth in roughly 100 years.

Cosimo Bambi from the University of Hudang in Shanghai has devised a framework for such missions utilizing technologies projected to be available within the next 20 to 30 years.

By approaching a black hole, we can validate Albert Einstein’s theory of general relativity and uncover the behavior of fundamental physical constants in extreme gravitational fields.

The nearest well-known black hole is approximately 1500 light years away. However, within our Milky Way galaxy, there is estimated to be one black hole for every 100 ordinary stars. This suggests a significant likelihood of locating a black hole within 20 to 25 light years, says Bambi.

Identifying a black hole poses challenges, as these entities do not emit light; astronomers must infer their existence by observing their gravitational influence on surrounding stars.

Reaching a black hole within 25 light years of our solar system will require advanced technological developments, but according to Bambi, “it’s achievable.” Within a century, spacecraft could be minuscule, featuring sails that cover 10 square meters and propelled by light. Such crafts could theoretically accelerate to about one-third the speed of light through pulses from high-powered lasers.

“Currently, light sails and nanocrafts appear to be the most viable options for interstellar travel since they can achieve speeds approaching that of light,” Bambi states. However, he estimates that the power required for an effective laser system could reach approximately 1 trillion euros today.

To validate predictions concerning general relativity, it may be necessary to dispatch two miniature spacecraft or release a secondary probe as the primary nanocraft nears a black hole. The secondary craft would venture closer to the black hole, while the primary craft remains at a safe distance, gathering data and relaying it back to Earth.

Gerlan Lewis from the University of Sydney acknowledges that while the challenges are significant, the proposal is far from impossible.

However, the extensive time frame for the proposed mission introduces a possibility that nanocrafts could become outdated by the time they reach their destination. Lewis remarks, “Considering 100 years of technological advancement, can we truly predict what kind of propulsion system might exist then?”

“A mission to black holes would likely resemble this proposal, akin to how we might imagine the advancements of the 20th century, 500 years in the past,” he adds.

Lewis points out that Bambi’s plans do not address how to decelerate the nanocrafts upon arrival at the black hole. Bambi suggests that the simplest approach is to not slow the vehicle at all, but rather deploy a probe to transmit data back to the main craft for Earth delivery.

“In such scenarios, the probes won’t stop around the black hole; they will merely pass by. Some may be drawn into the black hole, which should provide sufficient data to analyze the black hole’s gravitational field,” he explains.

Sam Baron at the University of Melbourne describes Bambi’s framework as one of the most “speculative” research papers he has encountered, but notes that a century ago, the construction of the Large Hadron Collider would have seemed like science fiction.

“I believe utilizing small-scale technologies is likely the way forward,” he observes. “The question remains whether we can indeed engineer something that meets all the criteria outlined in this paper.”

Bambi emphasizes that human beings cannot personally venture to black holes due to the extreme accelerative forces—around 10,000 g—that nanocraft would need to endure. “Unless we discover a wormhole in the fabric of space-time to provide a shortcut,” he notes.

“We really need a nearby wormhole like in the movie Interstellar” to facilitate human missions,” he concludes. “Unfortunately, my assessment is that wormholes are purely theoretical at this point.”

Astronomy Hub: Chile

Discover the astronomical wonders of Chile. Explore some of the most advanced observatories in the world and enjoy breathtaking views of the night sky from one of the clearest locations on Earth.

Topics:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Milky Way Black Holes Could Be Rotating at Their Limit

Posted on June 17, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Image of Sagittarius A*, the black hole at the center of the Milky Way galaxy

EHT

SEI 255742397 — Image of Sagittarius A*, the black hole at the center of the Milky Way galaxy

EHT

At the core of our Galaxy lies an extraordinary rotating entity: a black hole that appears to be spinning near its maximum velocity.

Michael Jansen from Radboud University in the Netherlands and his team investigated black holes in the center of the Milky Way, specifically Sagittarius A*, utilizing data gathered by a collective network known as the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT). To tackle the intricacies of the data, they opted for artificial intelligence methods.

Initially, they simulated approximately one million black holes using established mathematical models, a computational endeavor that necessitated millions of hours on supercomputers. These simulations served as training data for a type of AI known as neural networks, enabling them to assess the properties of black holes based on empirical observations. Subsequently, they fed the AI with data on Sagittarius A* collected by the EHT throughout 2017.

The AI determined that Sagittarius A* is rotating at 80-90% of its theoretical maximum speed. It also indicated to the researchers that none of the currently available magnetic field models adequately describe the characteristics of this black hole, highlighting the need for additional mathematical modeling. Janssen notes that earlier studies had merely narrowed down the potential characteristics of Sagittarius A*, such as its rotation speed and surrounding magnetic fields, while this new methodology has refined those estimates.

Dimitrios Psaltis from Georgia Tech in Atlanta remarked that some of the findings were unexpectedly counterintuitive. Previous analyses had not clarified whether black hole spins could be accurately discerned from EHT data.

While earlier research suggested that Sagittarius A* might be spinning at significant speeds,
Mizuno Yuishi from Zhejiang University in Shanghai, China, noted that there is still room for enhancement in the computational models applied in this new analysis. “Our theoretical model is still not perfect,” he acknowledged.

However, both Mizuno and Psaltis agree that integrating AI into the study of exotic cosmic entities like black holes is increasingly essential. “We possess a wealth of data and numerous models, and we require a contemporary approach to merge the two,” Psaltis states. “This is precisely where machine learning proves to be transformative.”

Yet, this integration presents unique challenges, as AI work necessitates verification to mitigate potential inaccuracies and errors in subsequent analysis.

Janssen and his team have conducted numerous verification checks, including testing the AI with specially designed simulation data. They are also evaluating data from subsequent EHT operations and will be analyzing new findings from observatory results, he explains.

Topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

New Study Reveals How Astrophysicists Can Utilize Black Holes as Superco-leaders of Particles

Posted on June 5, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

A recent study conducted by physicists at the University of Oxford, Johns Hopkins, and the Institute of Astrophysics in Paris reveals a natural process involving a gravitational particle charger that utilizes free-falling particles from infinity, matter collisions from the most stable circular orbit of rotating black holes, and a gravitational particle charger that repeatedly cycles mass energy—excluding heavy particles. In essence, this describes the Super Collider.

The artist’s concept depicts an ultra-high massive black hole in the heart of the Milky Way galaxy known as Sagittarius A*. Image credits: NASA/ESA/CSA/RALF CRAWFORD, STSCI.

Particle corridors accelerate protons and other subatomic particles towards one another at nearly the speed of light, revealing the fundamental properties of matter.

A subtle energy flash occurs upon collision, with fragments potentially unveiling previously unknown particles that may serve as candidates for dark matter—a crucial, yet elusive, component of the universe that remains undetected by scientists.

Facilities like the Large Hadron Collider also contribute to advancements in areas such as the internet, cancer therapy, and high-performance computing.

“One of the great aspirations for a particle collider like the Large Hadron Collider is to produce dark matter particles, though we have yet to find any evidence,” commented Professor Joseph Silk, an astrophysicist from Johns Hopkins University and Oxford University.

“This is why there’s ongoing dialogue about the necessity of constructing a much more powerful version for the next generation of Super Collider.”

“However, we’ve been waiting for 40 years to invest $30 billion in building this Super Collider, allowing nature to give us a glimpse into the future with supermassive black holes.”

A black hole can rotate around its axis like a planet but possesses significantly greater strength due to its intense gravitational field.

Increasingly, scientists are discovering that massive black holes rapidly spinning at the center of galaxies release enormous explosions of plasma, potentially due to jets transporting energy from the spin and surrounding accretion disks.

These phenomena can yield similar results to those produced by engineered Super Colliders.

“If ultra-high energy black holes can generate these particles through high-energy proton collisions, we could receive signals on Earth. Some high-energy particles pass through the detectors rapidly,” Professor Silk explained.

“This indicates a new particle collider effect within one of the universe’s most mysterious entities, achieving energies unattainable by any accelerator on Earth.”

“We may observe something with a unique signature believed to indicate the presence of dark matter. While this is somewhat speculative, it remains a possibility.”

New research indicates that gas falling into a black hole can harness energy from its spin, resulting in more violent behavior than previously thought.

Near rapidly spinning black holes, these particles can collide in a coordinated manner.

While not identical, this process resembles the collisions created using strong magnetic fields, where particles are accelerated in a circular high-energy particle corridor.

“Some particles from these collisions are swallowed by the black hole and vanish forever,” stated Professor Silk.

“However, due to their energy and momentum, some particles emerge, achieving unprecedented high energies.”

“We have recognized the immense energy of these particle beams, rivaling what can be produced in a Super Collider.”

“Determining the limits of this energy is challenging, but these phenomena are certainly aligned with the energy levels of the latest Super Colliders we plan to construct, providing complementary results.”

To detect such high-energy particles, scientists can utilize observatories that are already monitoring supernovae, massive black hole eruptions, and other cosmic occurrences.

These include detectors like the IceCube Neutrino Observatory and the Kilometer Cube Neutrino Telescope in Antarctica.

The difference between a Super Collider and a black hole is their vast distances from one another. Nevertheless, these particles still reach us.

The team’s paper was published this week in the journal Physical Review Letters.

____

Andrew Mamalie and Joseph Silk. 2025. Black Hole Super Collider. Phys. Rev. Lett. 134, 221401; doi:10.1103/physrevlett.134.221401

Source: www.sci.news

Webb unearths proof of functioning supermassive black holes in Messier 83

Posted on April 21, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Space Telescope Sciences Scientists According to a team of astronomers led by science scientists at the Sciences, highly ionized neon gas detected in the center of the Spiral Galaxy Messier 83 by a mid-inphrase instrument (MIRI) mounted on the NASA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope.

This web image shows the Messier 83. Image credits: NASA/ESA/CSA/Webb/A. Adamo, Stockholm University/Feast JWST Team.

Messier 83 is a spiral galaxy, a magnificently designed rod 15 million light years away from the southern constellations of Hydra.

Also known as the Southern Pinwheel Galaxy, M83, NGC 5236, Leda 48082, and UGCA 366, the galaxy is about twice as small as the Milky Way.

Messier 83 was like that I discovered it By French astronomer Nicholas Louis des Lacaille on February 17, 1752.

Its apparent size is 7.5, and is one of the brightest spiral galaxies in the night sky. It is the easiest way to observe using binoculars in May.

This is a prominent member of the galaxy group known as the Centaurus A/M83 group, counting the Dusty NGC 5128 (Centaurus A) and the irregular Galaxy NGC 5253.

Messier 83 has been a mystery for a long time. Large spiral galaxies often host active galactic nuclei (AGN), but astronomers have struggled to see what Messier 83 has been the case for decades.

Previous observations suggested that if a super-large black hole exists there, it must be dormant or hidden behind thick dust. However, new Webb observations reveal signs that suggest that this is not the case.

“The discovery of highly ionized neon emissions in the nucleus of the M83 was unexpected,” said Dr. Svea Hernandez, an astronomer with an ESA aura at the Institute of Space Telescope Science.

“These signatures require a lot of energy to be produced, rather than what a normal star can produce.”

“This strongly suggests the existence of a previously elusive AGN.”

“Before Webb we didn’t have the tools to detect such faintly ionized gas signatures at the nucleus of the M83.”

“Now, with incredible mid-red sensitivity, we can finally explore these hidden depths of the galaxy and uncover what we once couldn’t be seen.”

Webb’s mid-infrared observation allowed astronomers to peer into the dust and detect signs of highly ionized gases in small masses near the galactic nucleus.

The energy required to create these signatures is significantly higher than what supernovae and other great processes can offer, making AGN the most likely explanation.

However, alternative scenarios such as extreme shock waves in interstellar media are still under investigation.

“Webb is revolutionizing understanding of galaxies,” says Dr. Linda Smith, an astronomer at The Space Telescope Science Institute.

“For years, astronomers have been searching for the M83 black hole without success. Now we have compelling clues that could finally exist.”

“This finding shows how Webb is making unexpected breakthroughs.”

“Astronomers thought they had ruled out AGN on the M83, but now there is fresh evidence that they will challenge past assumptions and open new paths for exploration.”

Survey results It will be displayed in Astrophysical Journal.

____

Svea Hernandez et al. 2025. JWST/MIRI detection [Ne v] and [Ne vi] M83: Evidence of a long-required active galactic nucleus? APJ 983, 154; doi:10.3847/1538-4357/adba5d

Source: www.sci.news

Do black holes come in pairs?

Posted on April 21, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

When you like giant objects Neutron Star and Black Hole Merge or when Supernova If it explodes in a far distance of space, it creates a final product smaller than an object that collides or erupts. The mass they lose is converted to energy according to Einstein’s famous equation E = MC2 Moves in the form of distortions in space. Scientists call these distortions Gravity wavesand they can indirectly detect them by studying how waves interfere with the observation of other distant objects, or directly interfere in facilities such as Laser interferometer gravitational wave astronomy Or ligo.

Scientists working on the Ligo project have discovered that most of the gravitational waves they detect come from the fusion of two black holes. However, these scientists don’t know how these pairs of black holes converge. So far, they have two broad theories about how this happens. The first is when a large star transforms into a black hole, drifting in close proximity due to the complexity of pushing and pulling other nearby objects. These duos are called It was formed dynamically Binary pair. The second is that two giant stars begin their lives in binary pairs before transitioning to a pair of black holes. These duos are called It is formed primitively Binary pair. Scientists cannot use LIGO data to distinguish between these two types of black holes. Can only be detected if integrated. Therefore, there are other ways to know how they merged.

A team of astrophysicists at Cardiff University used a series of computer simulations to test tests that the theory of black hole mergers is likely to reflect the real world. They use the astrophysical collision modeling code PETAR to group or cluster Stars, including black holes pioneers, have evolved over millions of years, and which scenarios have led to the merger of black holes.

The team created 35 model star clusters that vary by size, with a total mass of 1,000,000 times the total mass of the sun’s mass of all constituent stars, how close the stars are, and the percentage of the non-helium-helium-like elements of helium called hydrogen or helium. Metallic. They determined the size of a particular star within these clusters using statistical distributions ranging from 0.08 to 150 times the mass of the sun. Next, we divide the specific variations of cluster size, star density, and metallicity into two model versions. One had no primitive binary pairs, and the other had more than 20 times the sun’s binary companions.

Researchers looked for general trends in how the simulation progressed. They discovered four million years later that the first black hole formed from the largest star was a pair of binary black holes and black holes stars. Simulations using primitively formed pairs showed that binary black holes formed faster around the same time as the first black holes appeared. In simulations without primitively formed pairs, binary pairs still appeared through dynamic processes, but only after millions of years it was at the very heart of a star cluster. In both simulations, the clusters discharged many of the binary black holes on a sufficiently long timescale and quickly integrated.

Final statistical analysis of 35 model star clusters showed that, unless there are large binary stars when formed in star clusters, the majority of black hole mergers come from primitive binary pairs. They also found no clear relationships between how large and dense the star cluster was and the number of dynamic mergers it generated. Dynamic mergers are relatively rare, but we saw how frequently metals in star clusters occurred. They also reported that a small portion of the merged black hole pairs are part of a larger group of three or four black holes!

The team admitted that they rely on a model of binary star evolution, where their outcomes remain uncertain. However, their conclusions argued that many astrophysicists challenged the core assumption that the most detected black holes merged from large, dense clusters of stars. By showing that primitive binaries are the dominant source of mergers, and knowing that most stars form in small clusters, they argued that most ligo detections are likely to come from small star clusters in the distance of the universe.

Post view: 249

Source: sciworthy.com

New optical devices that imitate black and white gravity holes created recently

Posted on April 19, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

In general theory of relativity, the white holes in gravity are virtual regions of space that cannot be entered from the outside. It is the opposite of a black hole where light and information cannot escape. Researchers from the University of Southampton, Nanyan University of Technology, and Texas A&M University have created optical devices that show intriguing similarities to these objects. The device will either fully absorb the wavelength (optical black hole) or completely reject (optical hole) light, depending on the polarization.

Between the double prism devices with thin film, they appear as a dark light absorbing surface – mimicking a black hole of gravity. Image credit: Nina Vaidia, University of Southampton.

The newly developed device acts as an optical black hole or an optical hole hole and is based on a principle known as coherent complete absorption.

Relying on polarization, this optical device is able to absorb or reject light almost completely, similar to the behavior of gravity black or white holes in space.

This device works by forming a rising wave from an incident light wave. This wave interacts with the ultra-thin absorber, leading to complete absorption or transmission based on the polarization of the light.

Simply put, it behaves like an object of the universe that swallows or repels light.

“Sphere phenomena, especially black holes, have captivated human imagination and exploratory plots for generations,” said Professor Nina Vaidia of the University of Southampton.

“Analog is a way of accessing physics, especially in distant objects such as black holes, as aspects of mathematical frameworks and physical principles are repeated in a surprising way in some systems.

“We present the concept of optical black and white holes that deterministically absorb almost all of the light in one polarization, while rejecting orthogonal polarization.”

“It relies on an experimental demonstration of the complete absorption of broadband coherent in compact devices enabled by spatial coherence and interference, while polarization sensitivity is acquired from the geometric phase of the interfering beam.”

The team’s proof-of-concept experiments show that the optical device manipulates electromagnetic waves in a way that reflects the behavior of gravitational black and white holes.

The simulation shows no reflection from the black hole analog device and the formation of standing waves due to incident interference and reflected light in the white hole.

The results can illuminate fascinating insights and possibilities for manipulating the interaction of light and matter, enabling a wide range of practical applications.

“Our optical devices can be employed as analogues to study and explore the physics of these far-flung astronomical phenomena. Or, in fact, they can provide a practical framework for several potential applications for tailoring electromagnetic waves and enhancing lighting interactions such as detection, energy conversion, multispectral camouflage, and stealth technology.

Team’s work Published in the journal Advanced Photonics.

____

Eric Plum et al. 2025. Optical analogue of black and white gravity holes. Advanced Photonics 7 (2): 025001; doi: 10.1117/1.ap.7.2.025001

Source: www.sci.news

Exploring the Potential for a Black Hole’s Singularity to Herald a Fresh Start: Research

Posted on March 12, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

According to a new study by a physicist at the University of Sheffield and a certified officer at the University of Madrid, black holes can migrate into white holes, eject matter, and even return to space.

Steffen Gielen & Lucía Menéndez-Pidal Research Quantum dynamics of planar black holes require the unification of conjugation of natural time coordinates. Image credit: Sci.News.

According to Einstein's general theory of relativity, anyone trapped within a black hole falls towards the center and is destroyed by immeasurable gravity.

Known as a singularity, the center is a point where the problem of the giant star, thought to have collapsed to form a black hole, is crushed by an infinitely small point.

This singularity breaks down understanding of physics and time.

New research, a fundamental theory that uses the laws of quantum mechanics to explain the nature of the universe at the level of atoms and even smaller particles, proposes a fundamentally different theoretical perspective that may represent a new beginning, rather than a singularity that means an end.

“It is said that black holes often suck everything including time, but new papers theorize that white holes act inversely, bringing energy and time back into space,” said Dr. Stephen Gillen of the University of Sheffield and Dr. Lucia Menendez Pidal of Madrid's compliant university.

In their work, the authors use a simplified theoretical model of black holes known as planar black holes.

Unlike typical spherical black holes, the boundaries of planar black holes are flat, two-dimensional surfaces.

Researchers' research suggests that the same mechanism may also apply to typical black holes.

“It has long been a question of whether quantum mechanics can change the understanding of black holes and provide insight into their essence,” Dr. Gielen said.

“In quantum mechanics, it's the time when we understand that systems can't end because they change and evolve permanently.”

The scientists' findings use the laws of quantum mechanics to show how the singularities of black holes can be replaced by a large area of quantum fluctuation that does not end space and time – a region of small temporary changes in spatial energy. Instead, space and time move into a new phase called the Whitehall. So the white holes may start to take time.

“It is generally thought to be related to observers, but in our research it comes from the mysterious dark energy that permeates the entire universe,” Dr. Gielen said.

“We propose that time is all over the universe and is measured by dark energy responsible for its current expansion.”

“This is an important new idea that will allow you to understand what happens within a black hole.”

In this study, physicists use dark energy almost as a reference point, and as a complementary idea that allows energy and time to be measured from one another.

In appetite, the theory that what we perceive as a singularity is actually beginning suggests the existence of something even more enigmatic on the other side of the white hole.

“Hypossibly, an observer (a hypothetical entity) can pass through a black hole, through what we consider singularity, and appear on the other side of the white hole. It's a very abstract concept of an observer, but in theory it can happen,” Dr. Gielen said.

Team's paper It was published in the journal this week Physical Review Letter.

____

Steffen Gielen & Lucía Menéndez-Pidal. 2025. Black hole singularity resolution in monopolar gravity from uniformity. Phys. Pastor Rett 134, 101501; doi: 10.1103/physrevlett.134.101501

Source: www.sci.news

Astronomers Detect Compelling Evidence of Supermassive Black Holes in the Large Magellanic Cloud

Posted on March 7, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The mass of the ultra-large black hole in the heart of the large Magellan cloud, a small milky satellite galaxy, is approximately 600,000 solar mass.

Impressions of the Hyper Belt Lattist artist ejected from the large Magellan cloud (shown on the right). If the binary star system gets too close to an ultra-large number of black holes, intense gravity will tear the pair apart. One star is captured in tight orbits around a black hole, while the other is thrown outward at extreme speeds – often exceeding thousands of kilometers per second, making it a high-speed star. The inset diagram illustrates this process. The orbital path of the original binary is displayed as an interwoven line, one star is captured by a black hole (near the center of the inset), and the other is ejected into space (bottom right). Image credit: CFA/Melissa Weiss.

“Our Milky Way galaxy halo includes a few stars running faster than local escape speeds in orbit that carry them into intergalactic space,” said Dr. Jesse Han, Ph.D. of the Harvard & Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics and Colleagues.

“One mechanism for generating such ultrafast stars is the Hills mechanism. When a close binary star wanders near an ultrahigh Massive black hole, one star can be captured, while the other is ejected at a rate that reaches more than a second.”

In their new study, astronomers followed the path with ultrafine accuracy of 21 superfast stars in halos outside the Milky Way.

They confidently categorized these stars, finding that seven of them coincided with those born out of the center of the Milky Way.

However, the other nine stars coincided with those born from the centre of the large Magellan cloud, about 160,000 light years away from us.

“Cosmologically speaking, it's amazing to notice another super-large black hole just below the block,” Dr. Han said.

“Black holes are so stealthy that this has been under our noses this time.”

Researchers discovered a large Magellanic Cloud black hole using data from ESA's Gaia Mission.

They also used improved understanding of the orbital of the d-star galaxies around the Milky Way, which was recently obtained by other astronomers.

“We knew these superfast stars had been around for a while, but Gaia provided us with the data we needed to figure out where they actually came from,” says Dr. Kareem El-Badry, an astronomer at Caltech.

“Combining these data with a new theoretical model of how these stars move, we made this incredible discovery.”

“The only explanation we can come up with for these data is the presence of a monster black hole in the next Galaxy,” said Dr. Scott Lucchini, an astronomer at the Harvard & Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics.

a paper Reporting this finding is published in Astrophysical Journal.

____

Ji Won Jesse Han et al. 2025. Hyper Belt Lattist tracks ultra-high Massive black holes in the large Magellan clouds. APJin press; Arxiv: 2502.00102

Source: www.sci.news

Previously underestimated activity of ultra-large black holes discovered in the Milky Way

Posted on February 20, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

According to an analysis of new data from NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope, the ejaculation ability that orbits Sagittarius a* emits a constant flow of flares with no period of rest. Some flares are faint flickering for a few seconds, while others are blindly bright eruptions that spit out every day. There is also slight flicker than the surges for several months at a time.

The artist's concept depicts an ultra-high Massive black hole in the heart of the Milky Way galaxy known as Sagittarius a*. Image credits: NASA/ESA/CSA/RALF CRAWFORD, STSCI.

“We expect flares to occur in essentially every super-large black hole, but our black holes are unique,” says Dr. Farhad Yousef Zadeh, an astronomer at Northwestern University. Ta.

“It's always bubbled up with activity and doesn't seem to reach a stable state.”

“We observed Sagittarius A* multiple times throughout 2023 and 2024, and noticed changes in all observations.”

“We saw something different each time, and that's really surprising. It didn't stay the same.”

Dr. Yousefzadeh and his colleagues used it Webb's nircam instrument Observe Sagittarius A* in total of 48 hours, increments of 8-10 hours over a year.

They expected to see the flare, but Sagittarius A* was more active than he had expected.

The accretion disk surrounding the black hole produced 5-6 large flares per day, during which several small subflares were generated.

“Our data showed constantly changing and bubbly brightness,” Dr. Yusef-Zadeh said.

“And boom! A huge explosion of brightness suddenly appeared. Then it settled down again. No patterns were found in this activity. It seems random. The activity profile of the black hole is what we see every time we see it. It was new and exciting.”

“It appears to be caused by two separate processes: short bursts and long flares. If the accretion disk is a river, the short, faint flicker is like a small ripple that fluctuates randomly on the surface of the river. .”

“But longer, brighter flares are like tidal waves caused by more important events.”

“Mild faults in the accretion disk can produce faint flickers. Specifically, turbulent fluctuations within the disk cause plasma (high-temperature charge gas) to be compressed and temporary. It can cause a burst of radiation.”

“This is similar to the way the solar magnetic fields gather together to compress and eject solar flares.”

“Of course, the environment around the black hole is much more energetic and extreme, so the process is more dramatic. But the surface of the sun also bubbles up with activity.”

Astronomers attribute large, bright flares to magnetic reconnection events. This is the process in which two magnetic fields collide and release energy in the form of accelerated particles. These particles, moving at a speed close to the speed of light, emit a burst of bright radiation.

“The magnetic reconnection event is like a static electricity spark, and in some ways it is also an electrical reconnection,” Dr. Yusef-Zadeh said.

The team wants to use Webb to observe Sagittarius A* for a long period of time.

“When you're watching such a weak flare event, you have to compete with the noise,” said Dr. Yousef Zadeh.

“If you can observe 24 hours a day, you can reduce the noise and see features that you didn't see before. That would be great. Also, these flares show periodicity (or repeat yourself) or really You can also check if it is random.”

Survey results It will be published in Astrophysics Journal Letter.

____

F. Yusef-Zadeh et al. 2025. Nonstop Variation of SgrA** Uses JWST at wavelengths of 2.1 and 4.8 microns: evidence of clear populations of faint and bright variable emissions. apjlin press; Arxiv: 2501.04096

Source: www.sci.news

Astronomers: Massive Black Holes Can Create Their Own Meals

Posted on January 29, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

New data from a very large telescope between NASA's CHANDRA X-Ray Observatory and ESO provides evidence that explosions from ultra-large black holes can help you cool the gas and feed yourself.

These images indicate two galaxy clusters of research, Perseus cluster and Centaul scraster. The chandradata represented by blue reveals X -rays from hot gas filaments, and VLT data indicates a red cooler filament. Image Credit: NASA / CXC / SAO / OLIVARES et al. / dss / cfht / sitelle / ESA / STSCI / ESO / VLT / MUSE / N. wolk.

In a new study, Dr. Valeria Olibales and her colleagues of Santiago De Chile University analyzed the deep observations of seven galaxy clusters, which indicate a remarkable poly-phase filament structure: Perseus, M87, Centaur, Abel 2597, Abel 1795, Hydra-A, Hydra, and Hydra PKS 0745-191.

“At the center of the galaxy cluster is the huge galaxy in the universe. This galaxy has a huge black hole with millions to billion times a mass of the sun.” I said.

“The jet from these black holes is driven by the black hole that exhales gas.”

Their results support a model in which the explosion from the black hole causes hot gases and cools down a narrow gas filament.

Gas turbulence also plays an important role in this trigger process.

According to the model, some of these warm gases in these filaments should flow into the center of the galaxy and supply them to black holes, causing explosions.

The explosion cools more gas, supplies black holes, and leads to further explosions.

The model predicts that it is related to the bright gas and warm gas filament at the center of the galaxy cluster.

More specifically, in areas where hot gas is bright, warm gases need to be brightened.

“Our results provide a new understanding of filament filled with these gases. This is important not only for feeding black holes, but also for forming new stars.” The person said.

“This progress has been made possible by innovative technology that separates hot filaments of Chandra X -ray data from other structures, including a large cavity of hot gas created by a black hole jet.”

“The newly discovered relationship of these filaments indicates the remarkable similarity of what is found in the tail of the jellyfish. These are peeled off when moving the surrounding gases and the long tail. It was formed.

“This similarity means that the universe connection between the two objects is revealed and that these objects have a similar process.”

Team paper Published in the journal Natural astronomy.

______

V. Olivary et al. Hα-X-ray surface gaze correlation of the cooling flow cluster filament. Nut asron Released online on January 27, 2025. Doi: 10.1038/S41550-02473-8

Source: www.sci.news

The Surprising Truth: Black Holes as Secret Time Machines

Posted on January 12, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

In Einstein’s theory of gravity, mass distorts space-time, creating an effect known as gravitational time dilation. This means that observers with different gravitational potentials measure elapsed time differently. Therefore, when you are close to a black hole, time slows down compared to time that is far away from the black hole.

Observers far away from the black hole say that for objects that fall into it, time stops at the so-called “event horizon” (the edge of the black hole, the point of no return).

Nothing appears to cross the event horizon. However, an observer who falls into a black hole does not experience time stopping at the event horizon. They will see time passing normally, but far away from the black hole they will see time speeding up. The closer you get to the event horizon, the faster time appears to move farther away from the black hole.

https://c02.purpledshub.com/uploads/sites/41/2025/01/GettyImages-1485451803.mp4

This is the first direct image of a black hole shooting a powerful jet into space, taken in April 2023.

Gravitational time dilation can actually be measured. In 1976, NASA launched an atomic clock into space to measure the passage of time at an altitude of 10,000 km (6,214 miles) compared to the Earth’s surface. The results of this measurement matched exactly what was expected from Einstein’s theory.

At sea level, time moves a billionth of a second slower per year than at the top of Mount Everest.

This article answers the question (asked by Sean Roberts via email): “What happens to time at the event horizon of a black hole?”

If you have any questions, please email us at: questions@sciencefocus.comor send us a message facebook, ×or Instagram Page (remember to include your name and location).

Check out our ultimate fun facts More amazing science pages.

read more:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Astrophysicists study planets, asteroids, and primordial black holes in Earth’s matter

Posted on December 3, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Primordial black holes have been theorized for decades and may even be the eternally elusive dark matter. However, primordial black holes have not yet been observed. These tiny black holes could become trapped in rocky planets or asteroids, consuming their liquid cores from within and leaving hollow structures behind, according to a duo of astrophysicists from the University at Buffalo, Case Western Reserve University, and National Donghua University. It is said that there is. Alternatively, microtunnels could be left in very old rocks on Earth, or in the glass or other solid structures of very old buildings.

An artist's impression of a primordial black hole. Image credit: NASA.

Small primordial black holes are perhaps the most intriguing and intriguing relics of the early universe.

They could act as candidates for dark matter, be sources of primordial gravitational waves, and help solve cosmological problems such as domain walls and the magnetic monopole problem.

However, so far no convincing primordial black hole candidates have been observed.

Professor Dejan Stojković of the University at Buffalo said: “Although the chances of finding these signatures are low, the search does not require many resources and the potential reward of providing the first evidence of a primordial black hole is enormous. It's going to become something.”

“We need to think outside the box because what has been done so far to find primordial black holes has not worked.”

Professor Stojkovic and colleague Dr. De Zhang Dai, of Case Western Reserve University and National Donghua University, are investigating how large hollow asteroids can grow without collapsing, and whether a primordial black hole is The probability of passing was calculated. Earth.

“Because of such long odds, we have focused on hard traces that have existed for thousands, millions, or even billions of years,” Dr. Dai said. .

“If the object has a liquid central core, a trapped primordial black hole could absorb the liquid core, whose density is higher than that of the outer solid layer,” Professor Stojković added.

“In that case, if the object was hit by an asteroid, the primordial black hole could escape from the object, leaving only a hollow shell.”

But would such a shell be strong enough to support itself, or would it simply collapse under its own tension?

Comparing the strength of natural materials such as granite and iron to their surface tension and surface density, the researchers found that such hollow objects could be less than one-tenth the radius of the Earth, making them smaller than normal We calculated that it was more likely to be an asteroid than a planet. .

“If it gets any bigger, it will collapse,” Professor Stojković said.

“These hollow objects could potentially be detected with telescopes. The mass, and therefore the density, can be determined by studying the objects' trajectories.”

“If an object's density is too low for its size, that's a good sign that it's hollow.”

For objects without a liquid core, the primordial black hole could simply pass through, leaving a straight microtunnel behind.

For example, a primordial black hole with mass 10^{twenty two} grams, leaving a tunnel 0.1 microns thick.

Large slabs of metal or other materials could serve as effective black hole detectors by monitoring the sudden appearance of these tunnels, but very old materials from buildings that are hundreds of years old Searching for existing tunnels has a higher probability. From the oldest to rocks that are billions of years old.

Still, even assuming that dark matter is indeed composed of primordial black holes, they calculated that the probability that a primordial black hole would pass through a billion-year-old rock is 0.000001.

“You have to compare costs and benefits. Does it cost a lot of money to do this? No, it doesn't,” Professor Stojković said.

“So, to say the least, it's unlikely that a primordial black hole will pass through you during your lifetime. Even if you did, you probably wouldn't notice.”

“Unlike rocks, human tissue has a small amount of tension, so the primordial black hole won't tear it apart.”

“And while the kinetic energy of a primordial black hole may be huge, it is moving so fast that it cannot release much of that energy during a collision.”

“If a projectile is moving through a medium faster than the speed of sound, the molecular structure of the medium has no time to react.”

“If you throw a rock through a window, it will probably break. If you shoot a window with a gun, it will probably just leave a hole.”

team's paper Published in a magazine physics of the dark universe.

_____

De Chan Dai and Dejan Stojković. 2024. We're looking for planets, asteroids, and tiny primordial black holes on Earth. physics of the dark universe 46: 101662;doi: 10.1016/j.dark.2024.101662

Source: www.sci.news

DESI seeks proof of dark energy originating from black holes

Posted on October 29, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

According to the popular inflationary universe theory, at the beginning of the Big Bang, a mysterious energy caused an exponential expansion of the early universe, creating all known matter. That ancient energy shared important characteristics with the dark energy of the current universe. “Where in the later universe will we see gravity as strong as it was at the beginning of the universe?'' The answer lies at the center of a black hole. What happened during inflation could also be reversed, with the matter of a massive star becoming dark energy again during gravitational collapse – like a mini-Big Bang played in reverse. A new study strengthens the evidence for this scenario using recent data. dark energy spectrometer (DESI).

A view of the accretion disk surrounding a supermassive black hole and the jet-like structures flowing out of the disk. The black hole's extreme mass bends space-time so that the backside of the accretion disk can be seen as an image above and below the black hole. Image credit: Science Communication Lab, DESY.

“If a black hole contains dark energy, it could merge with the expanding universe and grow faster,” said Dr. Kevin Croker, an astronomer at Arizona State University.

“We can't know the details of how this is happening, but we can see evidence that it's happening.”

Data from the first year of DESI's planned five-year study shows intriguing evidence that the density of dark energy has increased over time.

This provides a compelling clue to support this idea of what dark energy is. Because that increase in time matches how the amount and mass of black holes has increased over time.

“When I first got involved in this project, I was very skeptical,” said Boston University professor Steve Arlen.

“But I remained open-minded throughout the process, and when I started doing the cosmological calculations, I said, 'This is a really cool mechanism for creating dark energy.'”

To look for evidence of dark energy from black holes, astronomers used tens of millions of distant galaxies measured by DESI.

The instrument looks into the past billions of years and collects data that can be used to determine with great precision how fast the universe is expanding.

Furthermore, these data can be used to infer how the amount of dark energy changes over time.

The researchers compared these data to how many black holes have been created by large star explosions throughout the history of the universe.

“The two phenomena were consistent with each other. When a new black hole was created by the death of a massive star, the amount of dark energy in the universe increased in the right way,” said Dr. Duncan Farrar, a physicist at New York University. said. Hawaii.

“This makes the theory that black holes are the source of dark energy more plausible.”

This study complements a growing literature investigating the possibility of cosmological coupling in black holes.

A 2023 study reported cosmological coupling in a supermassive black hole at the center of a galaxy.

This study encouraged other teams to investigate the effects of black holes in different parts of the universe.

“These papers explore the relationship between dark energy and black holes in terms of their growth rate,” said astrophysicist at Healthpeak Properties and former general counsel at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. said Dr. Brian Cartwright.

“Our new paper links dark energy to when black holes are born.”

The main difference in the new paper is that most of the black holes involved are younger than those studied previously.

These black holes were born at a time when star formation, which tracks black hole formation, was well underway, not just beginning.

Professor Roger Windhorst from Arizona State University said: “This happened fairly late in the universe and is informed by recent measurements of black hole formation and growth observed by the Hubble and Webb Space Telescopes. ” he said.

“The next question is where are these black holes and how have they been moving around for the past eight billion years? Scientists are now working to suppress this,” Croker said. the doctor said.

Science needs more research and observation tools, and now that DESI is online, this exploration of dark energy is just beginning.

“Whether or not we continue to support the black hole hypothesis, this only brings further depth and clarity to our understanding of dark energy,” Professor Ahlen said.

“I think it's great as an experimental endeavor. You can have preconceptions or not, but we're based on data and observation.”

Regardless of what future observations yield, the research being conducted now represents a major shift in dark energy research.

“Essentially, whether black holes are dark energy is no longer just a theoretical question, coupled with the universe in which they live. This is now an experimental question,” said Gregory of the University of Michigan.・Professor Tarr said.

of study Published in Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics.

_____

Kevin S. Crocker others. 2024. The temporal evolution of DESI dark energy is harvested by cosmologically coupled black holes. JCAP 10:094;Doi: 10.1088/1475-7516/2024/10/094

This article is adapted from the original release by the University of Michigan.

Source: www.sci.news

Black holes that have the potential to outlast the universe

Posted on August 9, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Black holes have the ability to die, but this process happens very slowly and in a rather normal manner.

Despite appearing empty, space is not entirely devoid of mass or energy. Within this space, there exist “quantum fields” that give definition to mass and energy. These fields do not necessarily have zero energy, allowing for the creation of pairs of “virtual particles” (typically particle and antiparticle pairs) that quickly eliminate each other.

Another common explanation is that near a black hole, one of these particles may vanish inside the black hole while the other escapes as “Hawking radiation.”

In order to maintain the total energy of a black hole, incoming particles must possess “negative energy” (hence “negative mass”) while escaping particles must have positive energy.

Hawking radiation is a result of gravity’s impact on space-time. Quantum fields within empty space adhere to the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, limiting our understanding of the energy of a quantum field or the duration for which we can attribute a specific energy to it.

Since gravitational fields influence the curvature of space-time and the flow of time in a given area, regions of space-time with varying gravitational curvatures struggle to agree on the energy of the quantum field.

The variance in vacuum energy within different points of a black hole’s gravitational field creates what are known as “virtual particles.”

As positive energy escapes from a black hole, the mass and energy of the black hole gradually diminish, causing a black hole that is not actively attracting new material to gradually shrink and ultimately vanish.

However, this process occurs over massive time scales. For instance, a black hole with the mass of the sun would take 10⁶⁴ years to evaporate, far surpassing the age of the universe at 10 years old.

This article endeavors to answer Catrin Phelps of Winchester’s question, “Can black holes ever die?”

If you have any further inquiries, please direct them to the email address provided below. For additional information: or get in touch with us via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram (please include your name and location).

For more fascinating science, check out this page.

read more:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

The behavior of small black holes within the Sun, Earth, and humans

Posted on July 10, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Dead Planets Society is a podcast that explores wild ideas about manipulating the universe and tests them against the laws of physics, from splitting the moon to creating catastrophic events with gravitational waves. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Listen on Spotify or visit our podcast page.

In the early universe, there may have been tiny black holes as massive as mountains but smaller than atoms. If these primordial black holes exist, they could address major cosmological issues and offer endless opportunities for the Society of Dead Planets to explore.

In this episode, hosts Chelsea White and Leah Crane are joined by black hole experts like Alison Kirkpatrick. Researchers at the University of Kansas are investigating the effects of placing a primordial black hole inside different objects, such as the Sun, Earth, or even the human body, yielding surprising results.

A small black hole inside a star or planet would have minimal impact, either passing through or staying near the center depending on the object’s mass. However, a larger black hole the size of Earth but with the radius of a grape could drastically alter the fate of the Sun or consume a planet from within.

Despite the risks, a black hole of this size could potentially manipulate gravity to reshape the universe. For instance, a small black hole near the Moon’s surface could counteract its drift away from Earth.

Kirkpatrick explains that standing a few meters away from a small black hole is relatively safe, but closer proximity would result in gravitational forces tearing apart the nearest parts of the body. Introducing a black hole into the body, even through teleportation, is not advisable.

Kirkpatrick strongly advises against placing a primordial black hole inside the human body due to the immediate havoc it would wreak. The American Medical Association did not provide a response regarding the effects of black holes on humans.

topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Could space and time be an illusion of entanglement? Clues may be found in black holes

Posted on June 26, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

We tend to think of space-time as the underlying structure of the universe, but whether it’s truly fundamental, or whether it arises from something much deeper, is a question that keeps physicists up at night. “It’s not a philosophical question to debate over a beer,” physicists say. Marika Taylor “This is something that actually gets built into the calculations that people make,” say researchers from the University of Birmingham in the UK.

A great place to start is quantum mechanics, which describes the behavior of elementary particles. One of the core tenets of this notoriously counterintuitive theory is that connections between particles can transcend our usual concepts of space and time. This happens through a phenomenon called quantum entanglement, in which particles can affect each other’s properties even when they’re half a universe apart.

Cosmologists now generally accept that quantum entanglement is intimately connected to the emergence of space. If we know the degree of quantum entanglement between two quantum particles, we can derive the distance between them. When we do this for a network of many particles, a geometry begins to form from which we can call space emerge. In other words, space may emerge from quantum entanglement.

Entanglement and space-time

Furthermore, advances in string theory, a candidate theory of everything, suggest that what happens in the universe can be explained entirely by data held at the exterior, or boundary, of that space — a phenomenon known as holographic duality. Combine this with quantum entanglement and you can build a universe that boasts a spatial fabric of distance and geometry.

Spiridon Michalakismathematical…

Source: www.newscientist.com

NASA reveals stunning visualization of a supermassive black hole’s event horizon

Posted on May 9, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Thanks to a new visualization created on a NASA supercomputer, we can now dive into the event horizon, the point of no return for a black hole.

“People often ask about this, but simulating these hard-to-imagine processes is the key to bringing the mathematics of relativity to reality,” said Dr. Jeremy Schnitman, an astrophysicist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. “It helps us connect this with real-world consequences in the universe.”

“So I simulated two different scenarios: one in which the camera, standing in for the daring astronaut, misses the event horizon and the slingshot recedes; This is a scenario in which your fate will be determined.

To create the visualization, Dr. Schnitman worked with scientist Brian Powell at Goddard Space Flight Center and used the Discover supercomputer at the NASA Climate Simulation Center.

It took about five days to generate about 10 terabytes of data and run on just 0.3% of Discover’s 129,000 processors. It would take a typical laptop more than a decade to do the same thing.

The destination is a supermassive black hole with a mass 4.3 million times that of the Sun, comparable to the monster at the center of the Milky Way.

“If I had a choice, I would want to fall into a supermassive black hole,” Dr. Schnitman said.

“Stellar-mass black holes, containing up to about 30 solar masses, have much smaller event horizons and stronger tidal forces, and can tear apart approaching objects before they reach the horizon.”

This occurs because the gravitational force at the edge of the object near the black hole is much stronger than at the opposite edge. Falling objects stretch like noodles, a process astrophysicists call spaghettification.

The simulated black hole’s event horizon spans about 16 million miles (25 million km), or about 17% of the distance from Earth to the sun.

A flat, swirling cloud of hot, glowing gas called an accretion disk surrounds it and serves as a visual reference as it falls.

The same goes for glowing structures called photon rings, which are formed near black holes by light that has circled the hole one or more times.

A starry sky background seen from Earth completes the scene.

As the camera approaches the black hole, approaching the speed of light itself, the glow from the accretion disk and background stars is amplified, similar to the pitch of the sound of an approaching race car increasing.

If you look in the direction of travel, the light will appear brighter and whiter.

The film begins with a camera located some 640 million km (400 million miles) away, and a black hole quickly fills the field of view.

In the process, the black hole’s disk, photon ring, and night sky become increasingly distorted, even forming multiple images as light traverses an increasingly distorted space-time.

In real time, the camera takes about three hours to fall to the event horizon, performing nearly two full 30-minute orbits along the way. But for those observing from afar, it will never get there.

As the space-time distortion increases as you approach the horizon, the camera’s image slows down and appears to stop in front of you. This is why astronomers originally called black holes “frozen stars.”

At the event horizon, even space-time itself flows inward at the speed of light, the speed limit of the universe.

Once inside, both the camera and the spacetime it moves through hurtle towards the center of the black hole. A one-dimensional point called a singularity, where the laws of physics as we know them no longer work.

NASA’s visualization shows a camera tracking a supermassive black hole, similar in mass to that at the center of our galaxy, as it approaches, briefly orbits, and crosses the event horizon (point of no return). Masu. Image credit: J. Schnittman & B. Powell, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center.

“Once the camera crosses the horizon, there are only 12.8 seconds left before spaghettification destruction,” Dr. Schnitman said.

From there, the singularity is only 128,000 km (79,500 miles) away. The last leg of this voyage is over in the blink of an eye.

In another scenario, the camera orbits close to the event horizon, but never crosses it and flees to safety.

If an astronaut were to fly this six-hour round trip, and her co-worker on the mother ship was far away from the black hole, she would return 36 minutes younger than her co-worker.

That’s because time slows down when you move near a strong source of gravity or at speeds close to the speed of light.

“This situation could become even more extreme,” Dr. Schnitman says.

“If a black hole were rotating rapidly, like the one shown in the 2014 movie, interstellar, she would return many years younger than the sailors. ”

Source: www.sci.news

Stunning New Images of Black Holes in Galactic Centers Unveiled

Posted on March 27, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

It has been close to two years since the world was first introduced to Sagittarius A* (Sgr A*), the supermassive black hole residing at the center of the Milky Way.

A true behemoth, Sgr A* boasts a mass equivalent to 4 million suns and is encircled by hot pockets of swirling gas. Despite its immense size, it sits about 27,000 light-years away from Earth, appearing in the sky only as large as a donut on the moon’s surface.

In a recent study published in the Astrophysics Journal Letter and released by the event horizon telescope (EHT), Sgr A* was captured in polarized light for the first time.

Similar to how sunglasses can filter polarized light from the sun, astronomers utilize polarized light to unveil concealed magnetic fields.

The lines within the image indicate the direction of polarization, which correlates with the structure of the magnetic field surrounding the black hole.

“The spiral pattern observed swirling around the black hole signifies that the magnetic field must also be swirling, indicating a very strong and ordered field,” stated Dr. Sarah Isaun, an Einstein Fellow and co-leader of the project in the NASA Hubble Fellowship Program, as quoted in BBC Science Focus.

A comparison between the supermassive black holes M87* and Sagittarius A*, depicted in polarized light, reveals similar magnetic field structures, suggesting a universal feature among supermassive black holes. – Image credit: EHT Collaboration

The first-ever image of a black hole was unveiled by EHT in 2019, featuring a much grander black hole at the core of the Messier 87 galaxy (M87*).

M87* is approximately 1,000 times heavier than Sgr A*, leading to a slower rotation making it easier to image.

Further developments include astronomers releasing images of the magnetic field encompassing M87* in 2021. Overcoming the challenge of capturing our own supermassive black hole in polarized light took an additional three years.

In a surprising revelation, despite the contrasting sizes of the two black holes, the new images demonstrate strikingly similar magnetic field structures, emphasizing the prevalence of strong magnetic fields in both. This highlights a fundamental feature of supermassive black holes.

Isaun emphasized, “Sgr A* now holds a polarization structure remarkably akin to the larger, more potent M87* black hole, supporting the significance of a robust, well-ordered magnetic field in these entities.”

A comparison of the sizes of two black holes imaged by the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) collaboration: M87* at the core of the galaxy Messier 87 and Sagittarius A* (Sgr A*) at the center of the Milky Way. – Image credit: EHT Collaboration (Acknowledgment: Lia Medeiros, xkcd)

Previous investigations on M87* disclosed that the encircling magnetic field generates potent jets of energy and matter extending far beyond the galaxy. While astronomers have visualized the jet around M87*, it has remained elusive around Sgr A*. However, recent images unveil remarkable similarities between the two black holes, suggesting the potential existence of jets in both.

Isaun highlighted, “The jets within the host galaxy can stimulate or counteract star formation, exhibiting a fascinating interplay between the dynamics of these emanating jets from these black holes and the evolvement of the host galaxy. There exists a connection.”

“I believe we can extract valuable insights into our galaxy’s history from this connection.”

Upon the release of this image in 2022 by the EHT collaboration, it served as the premier visual evidence of a supermassive black hole residing at the heart of our galaxy, Sagittarius A*. – Image credit: EHT Collaboration

The upgraded EHT is set to observe Sgr A* once more next month, with astronomers hopeful of uncovering concealed jets and other facets of the galaxy’s central region.

Anticipate further groundbreaking revelations from EHT, potentially including more awe-inspiring images and even real-time video footage in years to come.

About our experts

Sarah Isaun is an observational astronomer and member of the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) collaboration. Her research focuses on aggregating, calibrating, and visualizing millimeter-wave radio observations of supermassive black holes. She led a project to produce new images of Sagittarius A* in polarized light.

Read more:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Exploring the mysteries of black holes using a ‘Quantum tornado’

Posted on March 21, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

If you think a regular tornado is scary, fasten your seatbelts. Scientists have created a tornado so powerful that it resembles a black hole. why? This giant vortex closely mimics a black hole, so it could offer great potential for black hole research.

It was published in the magazine Nature experimental study We created something never seen before: a quantum tornado. Basically, while a normal tornado circulates by tearing apart trees and houses, a quantum tornado circulates atoms and particles.

To make the tornado mimic a black hole, the researchers needed to use helium in a “superfluid” state, meaning it has a low viscosity and can flow without resistance. These properties allow scientists to closely observe how helium interacts with its surroundings.

This led to the discovery that small waves on the liquid surface simulate the gravitational conditions around a rotating black hole.

So how did they do it? First, the team led by the University of Nottingham needed to achieve the right properties for the liquid. This involved cooling several liters of superfluid helium to the lowest possible temperature, below -271°C.

Normally, tiny objects called “quantum vortices” in liquid helium spread apart from each other. But at this new, ultra-low temperature, liquid helium takes on quantum properties and stabilizes.

Helium “quantum tornado” experimental equipment at the black hole laboratory. – Photo credit: Leonardo Solidoro

Using a new cryogenic device, researchers were able to trap tens of thousands of these tiny objects, creating a “vortex” similar to a tornado.

The success of this experiment will allow researchers to compare the interactions inside a simulated black hole with their own theoretical projections, giving scientists a new way to simulate theories of curved spacetime and gravity. Possibilities will be unlocked.

“When we first observed clear signs of black hole physics in our first analog experiments in 2017, it was a discovery of some strange phenomena that are often difficult, if not impossible, to study in other ways.” It was a breakthrough moment for understanding the phenomenon.” Professor Silke Weinfurtneris leading the research at the Black Hole Institute, where this experiment was developed.

“Now, with more sophisticated experiments, we have taken this research to the next level. This may lead to predictions of what will happen.”

read more:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

New discoveries from the Webb telescope shed light on the origins of supermassive black holes and galaxies

Posted on February 7, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

New insights from the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope overturn theories about how black holes shape the universe, reversing the classical theory that black holes formed after the first stars and galaxies appeared. It challenges our understanding. In fact, black holes may have accelerated the birth of new stars during the universe's first 50 million years.

This artist's impression shows the evolution of the universe, starting with the Big Bang on the left and continuing with the emergence of the Cosmic Microwave Background. The formation of the first stars ends the Dark Ages of the universe, followed by the formation of galaxies. Image credit: M. Weiss / Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics.

“We know that these monster black holes exist in the centers of galaxies near the Milky Way, but now the big surprise is that they were also present at the beginning of the universe, and that they were like building blocks or seeds of early galaxies. It was something,” he said. Professor Joseph Silk, an astronomer at Johns Hopkins University and the Sorbonne Institute of Astrophysics;

“They've really enhanced everything, including giant amplifiers for star formation. This completely overturns what we previously thought was possible, and how galaxies form. It has the potential to completely shake up our understanding of what happens.”

“The distant galaxies observed by Webb in the early universe appear much brighter than scientists expected, revealing an unusually large number of young stars and supermassive black holes.”

“Conventional wisdom holds that black holes formed after the collapse of supermassive stars, and that galaxies formed after the first stars illuminated the dark early universe.”

But the team's analysis suggests that for the first 100 million years, black holes and galaxies coexisted, influencing each other's fate.

“We argue that the outflow of the black hole crushed the gas clouds and turned them into stars, greatly accelerating the rate of star formation,” Professor Silk said.

“Otherwise, it's very difficult to understand where these bright galaxies came from, because they are typically smaller in the early Universe. Why on earth did they become stars so quickly? Do I need to create one?”

“A black hole is a region of space where gravity is so strong that not even light can escape its attraction.”

“Thanks to this force, they generate powerful magnetic fields that cause violent storms, eject turbulent plasma, and ultimately act like giant particle accelerators.”

“This process may be why Webb's detectors found more black holes and brighter galaxies than scientists expected.”

“We can't fully see these ferocious winds and jets so far away, but we know they must exist because many black holes have been seen in the early universe. I am.”

“The huge wind blowing from the black hole crushes nearby gas clouds, turning them into stars.”

“This is the missing link that explains why these first galaxies are much brighter than we expected.”

According to the research team, there were two stages of the young universe.

In the first stage, star formation was accelerated by high-velocity outflow from the black hole, while in the second stage, the outflow slowed down.

“Hundreds of millions of years after the Big Bang, a supermassive black hole magnetic storm caused gas clouds to collapse and new stars to form at a rate far exceeding that observed in normal galaxies billions of years later,” Professor Silk said. Ta.

“These powerful outflows moved into energy conservation states, reducing the amount of gas available to form stars within the galaxy, thus slowing star formation.”

“We originally thought that galaxies formed when giant gas clouds collapsed,” Professor Silk said.

“The big surprise was that there was a seed in the middle of that cloud, a large black hole, that helped rapidly turn the inside of that cloud into a star at a much faster rate than we expected. So the first galaxies are incredibly bright.”

of study Published in Astrophysics Journal Letter.

_____

joseph silk other. 2024. Which came first, a supermassive black hole or a galaxy? Insights from JWST. APJL 961, L39; doi: 10.3847/2041-8213/ad1bf0

Source: www.sci.news

A black hole’s colossal outburst disrupts the entire galaxy’s equilibrium.

Posted on February 1, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

We all have bad days, with a monumental striptease here or an expression of anger there, but have you ever thrown a tantrum so bad that it upsets the balance of the entire galaxy?

Well, thanks to you, it turned out like this One particularly badly behaved black hole Observed by XMM-Newton Space Observatory.

If you zoom in on any large galaxy, you’ll find a supermassive black hole that pulls in gas from its surroundings with its immense gravity. As the gas spirals inward, it is squeezed into what is known as an accretion disk, a flat disk of gas orbiting around a massive central object.

Over time, the gas closest to the black hole passes through the point of no return and is essentially chewed up by its immense gravity. However, there’s a twist here. The black hole consumes only a portion of this gas and spits the rest back into space.

undefined

Sometimes, like the naughty black hole discovered by XMM Newton, a black hole doesn’t just spew out a small amount of gas, it spews out its entire meal over hundreds of days. The gas in the accretion disk is thrown off in all directions at such high velocities that it completely wipes out the surrounding interstellar gas.

The effect would be so severe that gas would be blown through space and new stars would no longer be able to form. This completely changes the landscape of the surrounding galaxy where the black hole is found.

Accretion disk surrounding black hole slowly pulls in gas – Credit: European Space Agency

Typically, only black holes with very bright accretion disks spew out gas. These brighter disks typically feature faster “black hole winds” that spew out gas.

“It is extremely rare to observe ultrafast winds, and even rarer to detect winds with enough energy to change the properties of the host galaxy,” the co-authors said. Elias CammonAstronomer at Roma Tre University in Italy.

“The fact that Markarian 817 is [the galaxy in question] These winds occurred for about a year but were not particularly active, suggesting that the black hole may be changing the shape of its host galaxy much more than previously thought. ing. ”

For scientists, this research improves our understanding of how black holes and the galaxies around them interact. Many galaxies appear to have large regions around their centers where few new stars form. This may be explained by the black hole’s wind sweeping away star-forming gas.

read more:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Scientists Suggest the Possibility of Creating Batteries from Tiny Black Holes

Posted on January 11, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

small black hole battery

Following the feedback discussion on New Zealand’s Blackhole public toilets (25 November 2023), news has arrived of a plan called “Using black holes as secondary batteries and nuclear reactors” published in the magazine Physical Review D.

Successful engineers, much like unsuccessful engineers, are not easily intimidated by limitations that others believe are insurmountable. The plan’s authors, Zhan-Feng Mai and Run-Qiu Yang of Tianjin University in China, continue to keep their jaws high and scratch their heads.

They say, “The strong gravity of a black hole prevents classical matter from escaping from it, but fortunately energy can be extracted from a black hole through quantum or classical processes.” he wrote.

They wave away a series of problems that are said to plague anyone who even proposes to get close to a black hole. They state that their black hole is a “mini black hole”.

This kind of confidence inspires venture capitalists, a diverse group of people who are experiencing the golden age of the early 2020s. After raising capital and extracting a suitable portion from it, many people are looking for new big opportunities to invest some of it.

Black hole batteries could be their next big thing, following in the capricious footsteps of cryptocurrencies and artificial intelligence. Many investors are finding both to be as compellingly attractive as black holes.

2 story superpower

Alison Litherland tells the story of a boring superpower with useful duplicity.

she says: “When you mentioned Rosemary Fuhrman’s husband’s ability to read her two pages in different Braille at the same time (September 16, 2023), I was reminded of the small superpowers she had when her children were small. I remembered my abilities.

“I was able to read a bedtime story aloud to her while at the same time quietly reading a novel to herself. I don’t know how my brain was able to distinguish between the two stories, but… It certainly helped with the boredom of re-reading the same story before bed.”

confused coffee

This medical journal headline features a discussion of ambiguity. Coffee and heart failure: Additional potential beneficial effects of coffee”.

The title rests on a letter to the editor from Anna Vittoria Mattioli and Alberto Farinetti of the University of Modena-Reggio Emilia in Italy. The diary is Nutrition, metabolism and cardiovascular disease.

Mattioli and Farinetti explore some of the ambiguity in medical research and medical pronouncements regarding the positive and negative health effects of drinking coffee.

Some people drink espresso in some places, while others drink other forms of coffee. Some people drink coffee filtered, while others drink it unfiltered.

Some people drink coffee “in conjunction with a meal” in some places, while others drink coffee on its own. Some men are men and others are not, and there may be differences in “absorption of macronutrients and micronutrients and their bioavailability.”

Mattioli and Farinetti suggest further research is needed to “de-confound” under confusing headings.

edge on edge

Sam Edge is offended by the paper featured in a previous feedback column (November 4, 2023).New insights into the genetics of twins and southern hemisphere whorls”. Sam feels horrified by the attention the newspaper has received.

he says: “The old chestnut about drainage circulation rears its head again. I see. Given the very small volume and mass involved in hair, and the fact that people spend a significant amount of time moving around in non-vertical positions, it is absurd to suggest that the Coriolis force could be responsible for the swirling of hair. The Coriolis force is responsible for the surprising twist in how objects appear to move when they rotate Please remember that.

Feedback hopes Edge won’t get nervous knowing there’s a new version of the paper. The title this time is “Genetic determinism and hemispheric influence in whorl formation‘ Appears in ‘Journal of Stomatology, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

The new version gives a meandering nod to the Coriolis question, this time at a distance. “Other non-hemispheric factors are [be] Maternal health, maternal nutrition, and prenatal hormone exposure were evaluated in samples from different locations in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, before considering the potential influence of hemispheric environmental physical factors such as the Coriolis force. I did.”

Sheffield names the harvest

Susan Frank is second to none when it comes to sharing information about garden varieties.

She writes: “We wanted to include the names of two of our trustees associated with Sheffield Botanic Gardens Trust, Barbara Plant and Christine Rose.”

According to feedback, Sheffield Botanic Gardens Trust Website Trustee Miles Stevenson, who is neither a plant nor a rose, makes it clear (by displaying special information in parentheses) that it is a chair.

Mark Abrahams hosted the Ig Nobel Prize ceremony and co-founded the magazine Annals of Improbable Research. Previously, he was working on unusual uses of computers. his website is impossible.com
Have a story for feedback?
You can email your article to Feedback at feedback@newscientist.com. Please enter your home address. This week’s and past feedback can be found on our website.

Source: www.newscientist.com

Black Holes’ Eating Habits: A Surprising Revelation

Posted on December 22, 2023 by Igor Mitreski

An imaginary diagram of the interstellar medium distribution of active galactic nuclei based on current observation results. Dense molecular gas from the galaxy flows along the disk’s surface toward the black hole. The energy generated by the high temperature of the material accumulated around the black hole destroys molecular gas, converting it into atoms and plasma. Most of these multiphase interstellar mediums are jets flowing outward from the galactic center (mainly plasma jets occur directly above the disk, and mainly atomic and molecular jets occur at an angle). However, it turns out that most of the particles flow back into the disk like a fountain. Credit: ALMA (ESO/National Astronomical Observatory of Japan/Nuclear Astronomical Observatory), T. Izumi et al.

Recent advances in astrophysics have led to groundbreaking observations of gas flows around supermassive black holes. These observations were made with great detail. light years Important insights into the behavior of these giant universes have been revealed. Remarkably, the researchers found that while large amounts of gas are attracted to these black holes, only a small portion (about 3 percent) is actually consumed. The remaining gas is ejected and recycled back to the host galaxy.

Not all substances fall into this. Black Hole It is absorbed, but some is excreted as effluent. However, it has been difficult to measure the ratio between the amount of material that a black hole “eats” and the amount that it “falls into.”

An international research team led by Assistant Professor Takuma Izumi of the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan is developing the Atacama Large Millimeter/Submillimeter Array (alma telescope) Observe a supermassive black hole in the Circus Galaxy, 14 million light-years away in the direction of the constellation Circus. This black hole is known to be actively feeding.

The center of the Silcinus galaxy observed with ALMA. Carbon monoxide (CO; indicating the presence of a medium-density molecular gas) is shown in red. Atomic carbon (C; indicates the presence of an atomic gas) in blue. Green is hydrogen cyanide (HCN; indicating the presence of a dense molecular gas). Pink hydrogen recombination line (H36α; indicating the presence of ionized gas). The central dense disk of gas (green) is about 6 light-years wide. The plasma outflow proceeds almost perpendicular to the disk. Credit: ALMA (ESO/National Astronomical Observatory of Japan/Nuclear Astronomical Observatory), T. Izumi et al.

ALMA’s role in solving the mystery of black holes

Thanks to ALMA’s high resolution, the research team was able to measure the inflow and outflow around a black hole for the first time on a scale of several light years. By measuring the flow of gases in different states (molecules, atoms, and states), plasma) The team was able to determine the overall feeding efficiency of the black hole and found it to be only about 3%. The researchers also confirmed that gravitational instability is driving the influx.

The analysis also showed that most of the ejected outflow was not fast enough to escape from the galaxy and be lost. They are recycled into the perinuclear region around the black hole and begin falling slowly towards the black hole again.

Reference: “Feeding and feedback of supermassive black holes are observed at subparsec scale” Takuma Izumi, Keiichi Wada, Masatoshi Imanishi, Koichiro Nakanishi, Kotaro Kono, Yuki Kudo, Daiki Kawamuro, Shunsuke Baba, Naoki Matsumoto , Yutaka Fujita, Conrad R.W. Tristram, 2 November 2023 science.
DOI: 10.1126/science.adf0569

This research was funded by the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan and the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science.

Source: scitechdaily.com