Oldest known supermassive black hole discovered
Scientists discover oldest known supermassive black hole, dating back 13.3 billion years, challenging current models of black hole formation.
Why it matters
- Discovery reshapes understanding of black hole formation.
- Challenges existing models of black hole growth.
By the numbers
- Black hole is 300 million times bigger than our sun.
- Formed just 500 million years after the Big Bang.
- Detected using NASA's James Webb Telescope.
The big picture
- Provides insights into the evolution of our own galaxy and its black hole.
- Part of a new class of galaxies called "Little Red Dots".
What they're saying
- Anthony Taylor: "How did it form so quickly?"
- Discovery challenges current models of black hole formation.
Caveats
- Exact distance of the galaxy is hard to determine due to the expanding universe.
- Further studies may be needed to confirm details.
What’s next
- Research team hopes to study more about our galaxy's evolution.
- More observations and studies planned to understand rapid black hole formation.