A team of scientists has made a groundbreaking discovery, uncovering the earliest known supermassive black hole in the universe. Located in the distant galaxy CAPERS-LRD-z9, this ancient black hole is estimated to be 13.3 billion years old, dating back to the early days of the Big Bang.
The discovery was made using advanced spectroscopy techniques and the James Webb Space Telescope’s CAPERS program. Researchers were able to detect the unique signature of the black hole by observing the gas surrounding it, which stretches into redder wavelengths when moving away from us and bluer wavelengths when approaching our line of sight.
CAPERS-LRD-z9 is part of a newly identified class of galaxies known as “Little Red Dots,” which only appear in the first 1.5 billion years of the universe’s history. These galaxies are characterized by their brightness, compactness, and distinct red color.
The discovery has significant implications for our understanding of black hole evolution. Researchers believe that this ancient black hole grew much faster than previously thought possible, with some estimates suggesting it could be up to 300 times larger than our sun. This finding challenges current models of early black hole growth and suggests a rethinking of their evolution in the universe’s earliest days.
The study, published in the Astrophysical Journal, provides valuable insights into the formation and development of supermassive black holes in the distant universe. Further research is needed to fully understand this discovery and its significance for the field of astrophysics.
Source: https://www.discovermagazine.com/the-universe-s-earliest-black-hole-dyes-its-home-galaxy-a-bright-shade-of-red-47898