An international team of researchers has made a remarkable discovery by identifying potential signs of a medium-mass black hole located in the IRS 13 star cluster, near the supermassive black hole at the center of our galaxy.
This discovery offers new insights into the role of these black holes in the formation of supermassive black holes as well as the dynamics of star clusters.
While examining a star cluster in the vicinity of the supermassive black hole Sagittarius A* (Sgr A*) at the heart of the Milky Way, the research team led by Dr. Florian Peißker from the Institute of Astrophysics demonstrated the presence of another medium-mass black hole.
Scientists have found potential signs of a medium-mass black hole in the IRS 13 star cluster. (Illustration: Daily Galaxy).
Medium-mass black holes are typically very rare and challenging to detect. Despite extensive research efforts, only 10 medium-mass black holes have been discovered across our universe to date.
Scientists believe that these black holes formed shortly after the Big Bang. By merging, they act as “seeds” for the formation of supermassive black holes. This discovery marks an important milestone in our understanding of black hole formation and the evolution of galaxies.
The IRS 13 star cluster analyzed is located just 0.1 light-years from the center of our galaxy, a relatively close distance in astronomical terms. Researchers noted that the stars in IRS 13 have moved in an orderly fashion, which was surprising since they previously assumed these stars were randomly arranged. A detailed study of IRS 13 by this team also revealed complex motions within the cluster and its interactions with the surrounding environment.
The identification of a medium-mass black hole in the IRS 13 star cluster near the Milky Way’s center unveils a new aspect of the formation and development of supermassive black holes. Additionally, the proximity of IRS 13 to Sgr A* serves as a unique laboratory for studying the interactions between black holes and star clusters in a highly dynamic environment.
Future research with next-generation telescopes promises to deepen our understanding of these astronomical phenomena and their roles in the formation and evolution of galaxies. As scientists continue to uncover the mysteries surrounding black holes, these findings will help reveal the complex processes that shape the universe.
The identification of a medium-mass black hole in the IRS 13 star cluster also represents a significant advancement in our understanding of black holes and their roles in the cosmos.
