Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery, uncovering the brightest known object in the universe. This extraordinary find comes in the form of a quasar, a celestial object that is an astonishing 500 trillion times brighter than our sun. The researchers from the Australian National University (ANU) stumbled upon this remarkable quasar, which is powered by the fastest growing black hole ever detected. With a mass 17 billion times that of our sun, this black hole devours the equivalent of one sun every day. The light emitted from this celestial wonder has traveled for over 12 billion years to reach Earth.
The initial spotting of this quasar took place at the ANU’s NSW Siding Spring Observatory in Coonabarabran, using a 2.3-meter telescope. To confirm their findings, the scientists utilized the European Southern Observatory’s (ESO’s) Very Large Telescope, equipped with a primary mirror measuring 39 meters. The collaborative efforts of the ANU researchers, along with the ESO, the University of Melbourne, and France’s Sorbonne Université, have resulted in the publication of their findings in the esteemed journal Nature Astronomy.
Lead author of the study, Associate Professor Christian Wolf from ANU, expressed his awe at this discovery, stating that it is the most luminous object ever observed in the universe. He further emphasized that the rapid growth rate of this black hole leads to an immense release of light and heat. Professor Wolf believes that this record-breaking quasar will remain unparalleled in its brilliance. The light emitted from this celestial marvel originates from an “accretion disc” that spans an impressive seven light years in diameter. This disc is where material is drawn into and spirals around the black hole before crossing its event horizon. The collision of this material generates an enormous amount of light and heat.
Professor Wolf vividly describes this spectacle as resembling a colossal and magnetic storm cell, with temperatures reaching a scorching 10,000 degrees Celsius. He likens it to a tempestuous environment with lightning crackling everywhere and winds so powerful that they could encircle the Earth in a mere second. To put its scale into perspective, this storm cell spans a distance of seven light years, which is 50% greater than the distance between our solar system and the nearest star in our galaxy, Alpha Centauri.
Dr. Christopher Onken, a co-author of the study, expressed his surprise at the fact that this quasar had remained undetected for such an extended period. He described it as “hiding in plain sight,” highlighting the remarkable nature of this discovery. Professor Wolf shared his mixed emotions about this finding, stating that it was both a shock and awe moment, as well as a joyous occasion. He marveled at the extreme conditions present within this celestial phenomenon and the fact that nature has produced something even more extraordinary than previously imagined. He also expressed a sense of playful satisfaction, exclaiming, “We found it! Nature does not make it easy, it’s like ‘ah, there you are!'”
The discovery of this incredibly bright quasar opens up new avenues for scientific exploration and understanding of the universe. It serves as a testament to the vastness and complexity of the cosmos, reminding us of the wonders that lie beyond our planet. As scientists continue to delve deeper into the mysteries of space, who knows what other extraordinary phenomena they will uncover “hiding in plain sight.”
