The discussion centers around the discovery of an ultramassive black hole (UMB) estimated to be over 30 billion solar masses, utilizing gravitational lensing as a detection method. Participants explore the implications of this discovery, the potential for future findings with the upcoming Euclid mission, and the characteristics of the black hole itself, including its size and rotation.
Participants express uncertainty regarding whether the black hole is the largest or one of the largest, indicating a lack of consensus on this point. There are also differing views on the implications of the discovery and the effectiveness of the measurement methods.
Some participants reference the need for further information on the rotation of the black hole and the methods used for measurement, highlighting potential limitations in the current understanding.
Readers interested in astrophysics, black hole research, and the methodologies of astronomical discoveries may find this discussion relevant.
https://www.france24.com/en/live-ne...over-one-of-biggest-black-holes-ever-recordedParis (AFP) – One of the largest black holes ever recorded has been discovered using a new technique that could spot thousands more of the insatiable celestial monsters in the coming years, according to astronomers.
The ultramassive black hole, one of just four ever observed, is more than 30 billion times the mass of the Sun, a new study said.
It is the first black hole ever observed using a phenomenon called gravitational lensing, in which light travelling towards us from a distant galaxy appears to magnify and bend inwards, giving away the presence of a dark giant.
James Nightingale, an astronomer at the UK's Durham University and the study's lead author, told AFP the process was "similar to shining light through the base of a wine glass".
There are currently around 500 known gravitational lenses -- at least one of which we now know is a supermassive black hole.
But "the landscape is about to dramatically change," Nightingale said.
The European Space Agency's Euclid mission, planned to launch into space in July, will open a "big data era" for black hole hunters by creating a huge high resolution map of the universe, he said.
In the next six years Euclid could find 100,000 new gravitational lenses, which would potentially point towards thousands of previously hidden black holes, Nightingale added.
Astronuc said:https://www.france24.com/en/live-ne...over-one-of-biggest-black-holes-ever-recorded
https://universe.nasa.gov/black-holes/types/ - didn't find this very helpful
ESA Euclid mission overview - https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Euclid_overview (to be launched July 2023)
Title adjusted, thanks. I am reading around methods of measurement and some of the other black holes discovered.Vanadium 50 said:Is it the largest or one of the largest?