A report from Nature shows that astronomers may have found a medium-sized black hole, a kind they've long looked for.
A report from Nature shows that astronomers may have found a medium-sized black hole, a kind they've long looked for.The star cluster Omega Centauri contains millions of stars. The movement of some stars suggests that an intermediate-sized black hole lies at its center.Astronomers have used the Hubble Space Telescope to find evidence of an elusive kind of black hole, one that’s about 8,000 times more massive than our sun.
Black holes can’t be observed directly, since their gravity pulls in everything, including light. But researchers can look to see if the gravity of a black hole is affecting nearby objects, including stars. The fact that they remain stuck and concentrated at the center, says Häberle, “means that there must be something that is pulling on them gravitationally such that they don't escape. And the only object that can be so massive is an intermediate-mass black hole with a minimum mass of at least 8,000 solar masses.”
“This is really exciting, right? This is only the second black hole where you can see individual stars whizzing around the black hole,” says Understanding where mid-sized black holes lie and how they grow may help scientists understand what role they could play in the evolution of even bigger ones that sit at the heart of galaxies.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Associate or Senior Editor, Nature Communications (Materials Science) - New York (US) job with Springer Nature LtdAssociate or Senior Editor (Materials Science) Organization: Nature Communications Location(s): New York, Jersey City, Philadelphia, Beijing, Hong Kong, Nanjing, or Shanghai (hybrid working) Closing date: July 12, 2024 (candidates will be considered as they apply) Nature Portfolio is the world’s leader in publishing high-quality...
Read more »
Subeditor, Nature Magazine - New York City, New York (US) job with Springer Nature LtdAbout the Brand Nature Portfolio is a flagship portfolio of journals, products and services including Nature and the Nature-branded journals, dedicated to serving the scientific community. Visit nature.
Read more »
Sales Executive, Nature Careers - London - hybrid working model job with Springer Nature LtdJob Title: European Advertising Sales Executive - Nature Careers Location: London (Hybrid Working) Applications are needed urgently, please apply early. About the role We are seeking a highly motivated and customer-focused Sales Executive to join our team.
Read more »
Astronomers find the nearest massive black hole, a missing link in massive black hole formationNewly identified fast-moving stars in the star cluster Omega Centauri provide solid evidence for a central black hole in the cluster. With at least 8,200 solar masses, it is the best candidate for a class of black holes astronomers have long believed to exist: intermediate-mass black holes, formed in the early stages of galaxy evolution.
Read more »
Astronomers spot a mysterious black hole nestled in a cluster of starsA report from Nature shows that astronomers may have found a medium-sized black hole, a kind they've long looked for.
Read more »
Astronomers watch a supermassive black hole turn on for the first timeA galaxy transitioned from being dim and quiet to bright and active, giving astronomers insight into active galactic nuclei.
Read more »