Researchers Discover Oldest Black Hole Ever Observed, Still Consuming Host Galaxy
In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers have identified the oldest black hole ever observed, dating back to the early stages of the universe. This ancient black hole, which is still in the process of consuming its host galaxy, challenges our current understanding of how these celestial objects form and grow.
Led by the University of Cambridge, an international team of scientists utilized the James Webb Space Telescope to detect this remarkable black hole. The findings, published in the journal Nature, represent a significant leap forward in our knowledge of the universe.
The black hole in question dates back more than 13 billion years, just 400 million years after the Big Bang. What makes it particularly intriguing is its size – a few million times the mass of our Sun. This suggests that black holes may form and grow in ways that differ from our previous assumptions.
According to conventional models, supermassive black holes, like the ones found at the center of galaxies such as the Milky Way, take billions of years to reach their current size. These models propose that they form from the remnants of dead stars, collapsing and creating a black hole roughly a hundred times the mass of the Sun. However, this newly discovered black hole challenges this timeline as it would have taken around a billion years to grow to its observed size – a timeframe that predates the age of the universe when it was detected.
Professor Roberto Maiolino, the lead author of the study from Cambridge’s Cavendish Laboratory and Kavli Institute of Cosmology, suggests alternative theories for the formation of such massive black holes. He proposes that because the early galaxies were rich in gas, they served as a “buffet” for black holes, allowing them to grow at an accelerated rate.
The host galaxy of this ancient black hole, named GN-z11, is significantly smaller than the Milky Way but emits a vibrant glow due to the energetic black hole at its center. While black holes cannot be directly observed, astronomers detect them through the distinctive glow of an accretion disc that forms near the black hole’s edges. The gas within this disc becomes extremely hot and emits energy in the ultraviolet range, enabling scientists to identify the presence of black holes.
However, the voracious appetite of this black hole may be detrimental to GN-z11’s development. When black holes consume excessive amounts of gas, it generates an ultra-fast wind that pushes the gas away. This process could hinder star formation and gradually lead to the demise of the galaxy. Paradoxically, it would also result in the black hole’s demise as it cuts off its source of “food.”
The discovery of this ancient black hole marks a significant milestone in astronomy. Professor Maiolino describes it as the most exciting time in his career, thanks to the advancements provided by the James Webb Space Telescope. He compares the upgrade in sensitivity, especially in the infrared range, to transitioning from Galileo’s telescope to a modern one overnight. The newfound capabilities of JWST offer the potential to uncover even older black holes in the future, shedding light on the various ways these enigmatic objects form and evolve.
As we delve deeper into the mysteries of the universe, this discovery serves as a reminder that there is still much to learn. The universe continues to surprise and captivate us, and with each new breakthrough, we take another step towards unraveling its secrets.