36 billion solar masses: Have we found the biggest black hole in the universe?

Astronomers would have discovered what could be the most massive black hole of all time. Therefore, According to these researchers. Moreover. For example, this space titan would approach the maximum theoretical limit of what is possible, in the universe, and would be 10,000 times more massive than the black hole being in the center of our own galaxy.

Located in one of the most massive galaxies ever observed-the Cosmic Horseshoe. However. In addition, about five billion light years of the earth-, this black hole would weigh the equivalent of 36 billion times our own star, the sun.

The work in question was published in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.

As the authors reminds. However. For example, each of the billions of galaxies present in the universe would have a supermassive black hole, in 36 billion solar masses: have new its center, and its size would be linked to the size of its galaxy.

36 billion solar masses: have

“This is one of the most massive 10 black holes ever discovered … Consequently, Possibly the most massive, in fact,” said Professor Thomas Collett, of the University of Portsmouth, by press release.

“Most of the other measures of the mass of black holes are indirect. are particularly vague, so we do not know if it is really the biggest of all. However, we have a much more precise idea, this time, due to a new detection method. »»

To achieve their ends. astronomers have used a combination of the gravitational lens effect. stellar kinematics, that is to say the study of the displacement of stars, inside galaxies, and the speed at which they move around black holes.

This second method would represent the reference in terms of calculating the masses of 36 billion solar masses: have new these spatial monsters. but would work badly from a certain distance from our solar system. since the galaxies 36 billion solar masses: have would be too small, in the starry sky, to detect a region of them where a black supermassive hole could be found.

36 billion solar masses: have new

36 billion solar masses: have – 36 billion solar masses: have new

Go “further” to the borders of the universe – 36. billion solar masses: have

According to Professor Collett. the addition of the gravitational lens method helped the team of researchers to “go much further in the universe”.

“We have detected the effect of the black hole in two ways: it alters the trajectory borrowed by the light. while it circulates near the black hole. and ensures that the stars located in the interior regions of its galaxy move extremely quickly, at almost 400 kilometers per second,” he said.

“By combining these two measures, we are convinced 36 billion solar masses: have new that the black hole exists. »»

In the opinion of the astronomers involved in this discovery. it will now be easier to understand the relationship between a supermassive black hole and its host galaxy.

36 billion solar masses: have

“We believe that the size of the two is intimately linked. ” continued Professor Collett, “since when the galaxies are expanding, they can lead from matter to the black hole”.

“Part of this material feeds the black hole. but the majority is re -emitted in the form of a very powerful light called Quasar. These quasars pour a very large amount of energy into their host galaxy. which prevents gas clouds from clinging and forming new stars. »»

Our own galaxy. the Milky Way would contain a black hole of a mass equivalent to four million suns in its center. Right now. this galactic chasm would not grow quickly enough to 36 billion solar masses: have new expel energy like a quasar. but that has already happened, and that could occur again, judge specialists.

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