Oldest Black Hole Discovered Devouring Host Galaxy
In a groundbreaking discovery, an international research team, led by the University of Cambridge, has identified the oldest black hole ever observed, dating back more than 13 billion years to a mere 400 million years after the big bang. Utilizing the powerful NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), the team found that this surprisingly massive black hole, a few million times the mass of our Sun, is voraciously ‘eating’ its host galaxy, GN-z11, at a rate five times higher than previously believed possible.
The findings challenge conventional assumptions about black hole formation and growth, suggesting that these cosmic behemoths may either be ‘born big’ or grow rapidly through a more efficient matter consumption process.
The newly detected black hole, early in the universe’s history, defies standard models that propose the gradual growth of supermassive black holes over billions of years. Professor Roberto Maiolino, the lead author, highlights the significance of the discovery, describing it as “a giant leap forward” in our understanding of the cosmos. The black hole’s vigorous consumption of material from its host galaxy not only provides a unique insight into its formation but also raises questions about the impact on the host galaxy, potentially stalling star formation and threatening its overall development.
The JWST’s unprecedented sensitivity in the infrared range has opened up new possibilities, allowing researchers to explore even older black holes in the future. Professor Maiolino and his team aim to utilize upcoming JWST observations to uncover smaller ‘seeds’ of black holes, unraveling the diverse mechanisms behind their formation. This discovery marks a transformative era in astrophysics, as JWST continues to unveil previously hidden aspects of the universe, showcasing the cosmic richness beyond the capabilities of previous telescopes.
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