Could Phoenix A Be the Largest Black Hole We’ll Ever Find?
Ultramassive black holes, defined as cosmic entities surpassing 10 billion solar masses, may have an upper limit, according to a study led by Dr Priyamvada Natarajan from Yale University’s Department of Astronomy. Published findings indicate that black holes like Phoenix A, with an estimated mass of 100 billion suns, could represent the maximum size achievable by such entities. The study focuses on understanding growth constraints imposed by black holes themselves through self-regulating feedback mechanisms.
Observing Ultramassive Black Holes
It was noted by Dr Natarajan in an interview with Space.com that ultramassive black holes are commonly located within the brightest central galaxies of galaxy clusters. These galaxies, known as Brightest Central Galaxies (BCGs), are theorised to host the most massive black holes due to their high stellar masses. Black holes such as Phoenix A and Tonantzintla 618 (Ton 618), which weigh around 66 billion solar masses, exemplify this theory, according to research insights.
The Mechanism Limiting Growth
Reports suggest that black holes regulate their own growth by ejecting gas through powerful jets, known as astrophysical outflows. These jets, extending tens of light-years, heat surrounding gas and prevent it from condensing into stars, thereby disrupting star formation. This process simultaneously cuts off the gas supply required for the black hole’s further growth. Dr Natarajan explained this phenomenon, emphasising how inefficient accretion and expelled material act as a natural cap on black hole size.
Future Research Directions
Dr Natarajan and her team are now turning their attention to intermediate-mass black holes, described as having masses between stellar-mass and supermassive black holes, as per reports. These objects, which range between 1,000 and 10,000 solar masses, are being investigated as they remain an elusive and less-understood category. The findings aim to provide a clearer picture of black hole evolution across all mass scales.
The study sheds light on the intricate processes governing black hole growth, with 100 billion solar masses emerging as the theoretical ceiling for ultramassive black holes.
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Bronze statues, including depictions of snakes and a child priest, have been uncovered from a hot spring at San Casciano dei Bagni in Italy, according to the Italian Ministry of Culture, as per reports. The site, located around 120 kilometres northwest of Rome, has been excavated since 2019 and is believed to have been used for sacred rituals dating back to the third century B.C. The spring, originally used by the Etruscans and later adopted by the Romans, was a place where votive offerings were made in hopes of divine protection or healing, as per reports.
Discovery of Snake Statues and Other Artefacts
Bronze snake statues, some measuring up to 90 centimetres in length, were among the latest findings during the 2024 excavation, as reported by the excavation team. These statues were discovered in the deeper layers of the spring and are thought to have symbolised protection for the sacred waters. Other artefacts include a nude male figure inscribed with the name “Gaius Roscius” and a child priest holding a ball, which may have been used in divination rituals.
Preserved Organic Remains Found
The excavation also revealed well-preserved organic remains, such as eggs with visible yolks, pine cones, and plant matter. According to the Italian Ministry of Culture, in a statement, these items may have been used in rituals symbolising rebirth and regeneration. The preservation of these items is attributed to their rapid burial in sediment.
Expert Perspective
Alexandra Carpino, an art history professor at Northern Arizona University, commented in an email to Live Science that these findings are among the most significant discoveries of the 21st century. The range of artefacts provides insights into the role of healing sanctuaries in ancient societies.
Ongoing Research at the Site
Research continues at San Casciano dei Bagni, with scholars examining the inscriptions and artefacts to uncover more about the Etruscan and Roman use of the spring.
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A new pulsar, PSR J1922+37, has been discovered with a spin period of 1.92 seconds using the Five-hundred-metre Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope (FAST) in China, according to a report. The finding was made in the direction of the open cluster NGC 6791. If confirmed as a member of this cluster, it would be the first pulsar identified in an open cluster, a breakthrough in pulsar and stellar cluster research, according to sources.
Key Details of PSR J1922+37
The finding was reported in a paper published Dec. 11 on the arXiv preprint server. As per reports, the pulsar PSR J1922+37 has been observed with a dispersion measure of 85 pc/cm³ and a flux density of approximately 7.0 µJy. Its position aligns closely with the location of NGC 6791, with an offset of 14 arcminutes from the cluster’s centre. The estimated distance of the pulsar, 15,600 light-years, is consistent with the cluster’s distance range, which is calculated to be between 13,100 and 16,000 light-years.
According to the study, led by Xiao-Jin Liu of Beijing Normal University, the dense stellar environment of NGC 6791 increases the likelihood of pulsars being present within the cluster. Researchers have suggested that precise measurements of PSR J1922+37’s distance and proper motion will be necessary to confirm its association with NGC 6791.
Potential for Further Discoveries
The researchers indicated that NGC 6791’s compact and high surface brightness environment could host additional pulsars. An estimate provided in the study predicts that as many as nine pulsars may exist within this cluster. The team noted that further observations using advanced techniques could help verify these predictions.
The report further highlights that the discovery has been described as a significant development in the understanding of pulsars within open clusters, an area of study previously limited due to low stellar density in such regions. Verification of PSR J1922+37’s cluster membership will require additional studies, including proper motion analysis to establish a definitive connection.
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