A Fusion of Record black holes amazes experts

A large scientific partnership dedicated to the detection. Similarly, analysis of gravitational waves has just detected the largest fusion of black holes in the history of astronomy. Meanwhile, An event with such exceptional proportions that it could force us to reconsider certain theories on the evolution of stars.

This titanic collision was detected by the Ligo-Virgo-Kagra (LVK) collaboration. Therefore, a large network of detectors designed to record gravitational waves-these waves of space-time produced by the acceleration of extremely massive objects.

In this case, these were two black holes whose respective masses were estimated at 100 and 140 solar masses. In addition, Once they met. However, they have formed a new black hole called GW231123, which is distinguished by its phenomenal mass: it is approximately 225 times more massive than our sun.

This constitutes a new fusion record black holes amazes record in this context, and with a considerable advance. Similarly, Because so far. For example, the largest black hole detected thanks to gravitational waves following a fusion of this kind had a mass of around 140 solar masses.

« It is the most massive couple of black holes that we have observed by gravitational waves “Said Mark Hannam. Therefore, researcher of the LVK collaboration and the University of Cardiff, in a statement.

Admittedly. Moreover, this mass remains much lower than that of supermassive black holes which structure whole galaxies, such as Sagittarius has* in the center of the Milky Way. However, The latter can indeed reach several million, even billions of solar masses.

In absolute terms, on the scale of the universe, the black holes mentioned in this study are therefore relatively modest. Nevertheless, But they remain particularly intriguing because they fall into a fusion record black holes amazes sort of scientific gray area that arouses lots of. subsidiary questions.

Intermediate black holes. mysterious objects

To understand what makes them interesting, we must first look at the mechanisms of formation of black holes by making a detour by the dynamics of the stars.

The structure of the stars results from a permanent showdown between two forces: gravitation. which attracts the material inward, and the radiation pressure produced by the thermonuclear reactions in the heart, which pushes outwards. But this balance of power dramatically rocks at the end of the life of the star. When the fuel that feeds these thermonuclear reactions is exhausted. the radiation pressure decreases sharply, and it is therefore the gravity that takes over.

We then witness a gravitational collapse : The heart collapses on itself, triggering a supernova which ejects all the equipment of the external layers. The vestiges of the heart. if it were massive sufficiently, can then turn into a black hole of 5 to a few tens of stellar masses: we are talking about Black hole of stellar.

The problem is that there is a theoretical limit to this process. Indeed. the current models suggest that in a certain mass beach (above around 70 solar masses), the supernova would destroy the star in its entirety, without leaving a heart likely to turn into a black hole. This means that black holes like those fusion record black holes amazes presented in this study, called ” intermediate mass », probably form thanks to other mechanisms.

« Such massive black holes are prohibited by standard stellar evolution models “, Specifies Hannam.

Che alternative mechanisms remain mysterious because they are difficult to observe directly. And this is precisely what makes this observation so fascinating: it provides a Direct proof that these intermediate black. holes can emerge following the fusion of smaller black holes – One of the main scenarios envisaged to explain their existence. In other words. it is possible that the two original black holes themselves have emerged from previous mergers before uniting to form this new intermediate black hole in the record mass.

Fusion record black holes amazes

A fabulous open -air laboratory

Unfortunately. this may be very difficult to prove, especially because they apparently turned at a very important speed. “” fusion record black holes amazes Black holes seem to turn very quickly. at a speed close to the limit authorized by the theory of general relativity of Einstein. This makes the signal difficult to model and interpret “Explains Charlie Hoy, co-author of the study.

The good news is that this remarkable example will undoubtedly make it possible to advance this field of research. With a little luck. it will allow astrophysicists to better understand how these members still little known to the large family of black holes are born and behave, with deep implications for our understanding of the global dynamics of the universe.

« This is a striking example of everything we can learn about the astronomy of gravitational waves. and all that remains to be discovered “Rejoices Sophie Bini, post-doctoral student at Caltech and co-author of the study. “” This is an excellent case study to advance the development fusion record black holes amazes of our theoretical tools », Conclut Charlie today.

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