Astronomers have discovered a record-breaking dataset that reveals over 2,500 candidate dwarf galaxies with feeding black holes at their centers and an additional 300 intermediate-mass “missing link” black hole candidates. This finding could help unravel the enigma of how black holes grow to monstrous scales.
The Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) was used to collect data from 410,000 galaxies, identifying a staggering number of dwarf galaxies with feeding black holes and intermediate-mass black holes. The discovery has more than tripled the total number of intermediate-mass black hole candidates and provides a wealth of new information for astrophysicists.
According to lead author Ragadeepika Pucha, the dramatic activity caused by active galactic nuclei (AGN) can serve as a beacon to identify hidden black holes in small galaxies. The researchers believe that understanding how black holes form and grow is crucial to piecing together the cosmic enigma.
The discovery of these 300 rare black holes highlights the significant role that black holes play in galaxy evolution. However, more research is needed to understand the relationship between black hole formation and the types of galaxies they inhabit.
This finding expands the dataset available to astrophysicists, enabling them to study the cosmic enigmas in greater detail. With the new data, scientists can delve deeper into the mysteries surrounding black holes, enriching their understanding of these celestial objects.
Source: https://www.livescience.com/space/black-holes/scientists-may-have-just-discovered-300-of-the-rarest-black-holes-in-the-universe