Record-Breaking Quasar Powered by Fastest-Growing Black Hole Ever Discovered
In a groundbreaking discovery, astronomers have observed a record-breaking quasar powered by the fastest-growing black hole ever found. This extraordinary finding sheds light on the immense power and energy emitted by these cosmic phenomena.
The quasar, known as J0529-4351, is located in a distant galaxy far beyond our Milky Way. Astronomers used the European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope (VLT) in Chile to observe this remarkable object. The findings of their study have been published in Nature Astronomy.
Quasars are the extremely bright cores found at the center of galaxies, fueled by the energy consumed by supermassive black holes. The black hole in J0529-4351 is growing in mass at an astonishing rate of one sun per day, making it the fastest-growing black hole ever discovered. With a mass of 17 billion suns, it is also the most luminous object ever observed in the known Universe.
To put its brightness and size into perspective, astronomers compare the mass of a black hole to that of our Sun. One solar mass is equivalent to the mass of our Sun. The supermassive black hole in J0529-4351 has a mass of 17 billion suns, and the matter being pulled towards it emits more than 500 trillion times more luminous energy than the Sun.
The accretion disc, where matter is pulled towards the black hole, measures an astounding seven light-years in diameter. Study co-author Samuel Lai estimates that it is the largest accretion disc in the entire Universe.
The distance between Earth and J0529-4351 is so vast that its light took more than 12 million light years to reach the telescope. This distance is equivalent to about 15,000 times the distance between the Sun and Neptune in our solar system.
While there may be brighter and more massive quasars in the Universe, they are extremely rare and challenging to find. The study authors explain that the search for quasars requires precise observational data from large areas of the sky. These datasets are often analyzed using machine-learning models to differentiate quasars from other celestial objects. However, these models are trained on existing data, which limits their ability to identify new, more luminous quasars.
The discovery of J0529-4351 was a surprise to astronomers, as it had remained unknown until recently. It was first discovered in 1980 during the ESO Schmidt Southern Sky Survey but was only identified as a quasar last year. The object was initially mistaken for a star due to its brightness, but a second look using the Siding Spring Observatory in Australia confirmed its true nature.
Co-author Christopher Onken describes the discovery as a revelation, stating, “It is a surprise that it has remained unknown until today when we already know about a million less impressive quasars. It has literally been staring us in the face until now.”
To further explore and identify such luminous objects, the European Southern Observatory is constructing the 39-meter Extremely Large Telescope in Chile. This state-of-the-art telescope will enhance astronomers’ ability to study and understand these cosmic phenomena.
The discovery of J0529-4351 marks a significant milestone in our understanding of quasars and supermassive black holes. Its record-breaking characteristics provide valuable insights into the immense power and energy generated by these cosmic giants. As our exploration of the Universe continues, we can expect more remarkable discoveries that will expand our knowledge of the cosmos and its mysteries.