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Heavier than 19 million Suns, this object triggers rare phenomena that challenge our understanding of supermassive black holes

What To Know

  • The European Space Agency’s XMM-Newton space telescope has detected rapid X-ray variations from the vicinity of a at the heart of a nearby galaxy.
  • The process of accretion and the role of the coronaWhen a attracts matter, it forms a spiraling accretion disk around it.
  • Hypothesis of a white dwarf in orbitThe oscillations might indicate the presence of a massive object, such as a white dwarf about 0.

When a black hole dances, the universe listens in X-rays! The European Space Agency’s XMM-Newton space telescope has detected rapid X-ray variations from the vicinity of a supermassive black hole at the heart of a nearby galaxy. These observations reveal unexpected behaviors in the matter accretion by these and suggest a potential source of that ‘s future LISA mission could detect.

the process of accretion and the role of the corona

When a black hole attracts matter, it forms a spiraling accretion disk around it. The gas in this disk heats up, emitting primarily ultraviolet (UV) rays. These UV rays interact with a plasma corona surrounding the black hole and disk, gaining energy to become X-rays, which XMM-Newton can detect.

observations of 1ES 1927+654

Since 2011, XMM-Newton has been observing the supermassive black hole named 1ES 1927+654. In 2018, a major eruption disrupted its environment, leading to the temporary disappearance of the X-ray corona, which gradually returned to normal by early 2021. In July 2022, XMM-Newton detected variations in X-ray emissions with oscillations of about 10% over intervals ranging from 400 to 1000 seconds. These quasi-periodic oscillations are rare among supermassive black holes. According to experts at the Massachusetts Institute of (MIT), it was the first sign of an unusual phenomenon.

hypothesis of a white dwarf in orbit

The oscillations might indicate the presence of a massive object, such as a white dwarf about 0.1 solar masses, orbiting rapidly within the accretion disk and gradually approaching the black hole. Calculations predicted that this object would be swallowed by the black hole on January 4, 2024. However, by March 2024, XMM-Newton observed that oscillations persisted with increased frequency, suggesting that the orbiting object resisted consumption. Researchers considered that the plasma corona itself might be oscillating but without an established theory to explain this ; they reevaluated their initial model.

new interpretation: interaction between two white dwarfs

Astronomers have also observed pairs of white dwarfs drawing closer together, where one transfers matter to another, slowing their fusion. They proposed that a similar phenomenon might occur here with one white dwarf disrupting the black hole’s accretion disk thus delaying its absorption.

future perspectives with LISA

This study highlights the complexity of interactions between black holes and their environment. ESA’s LISA mission slated for detecting gravitational waves could provide additional insights into these phenomena offering better comprehension of accretion processes and potential sources for gravitational waves.

  • will continue evolving providing new data on cosmic phenomena.
  • LISA’s contributions could redefine our understanding of space-time disturbances.

This article shines light on fascinating made through XMM-Newton revealing mysteries surrounding black holes and their environments emphasizing importance plays towards understanding extreme universal phenomena while paving way for future explorations like those planned under missions such as LISA these advancements bring us closer towards deeper comprehension regarding cosmic nature.

Farid Zeroual
Farid Zeroual
I am Farid, passionate about space and science. I dedicate myself to exploring the mysteries of the universe and discovering scientific advancements that push the boundaries of our knowledge. Through my articles on Thenextfrontier.net, I share fascinating discoveries and innovative perspectives to take you on a journey to the edges of space and the heart of science. Join me as we explore the wonders of the universe and the scientific innovations that transform our understanding of the world.

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