An artist's impression of a growing supermassive black hole located in the early Universe. Using the deepest X-ray image ever taken, astronomers found the first direct evidence that massive black holes were common in the early universe. This discovery shows that very young black holes grew more aggressively than previously thought, in tandem with the growth of their host galaxies. PHOTO: REUTERS/NASA/Chandra X-Ray Observatory
A large black hole has been discovered in the middle of our galaxy. If confirmed, it would be the second biggest spotted in our neighbourhood.
The find could lead to the resolution of major mysteries regarding black holes by giving scientists a chance to examine how they form. A large, toxic gas cloud was found swirling in the middle of the galaxy. Its strange movement signaled towards a huge ‘compact object’ at the centre, which scientists suspect of being a black hole.
Astronomers piece together first image of black hole
Astronomers believe that large galaxies like the Milky Way may contain black holes which could be a billion times larger than the sun, but they have not yet been able to figure how the phenomenon occurs. By having an opportunity to examine one in our own solar system, scientists may be able to discover how.
A black hole for assistance?
Large black holes – known as intermediate-mass black holes, or IMBHs – are believed to form after smaller black holes merge together to form bigger ones, which in turn move together to become supermassive ones. This is the first time a middle, bigger black hole is thought to be discovered.
The finding can possibly lead to proof for generational relativity, a step that scientists claim would "make a considerable contribution to the progress of modern physics".
This story originally appeared on The Independent.
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