By Akinsuroju Olubunmi
Groundbreaking discovery: Astronomers unveil largest black hole in Milky Way
In a groundbreaking revelation, astronomers have unveiled the largest stellar black hole ever detected within the confines of the Milky Way galaxy. Named Gaia BH3, this celestial giant boasts a mass 33 times that of our Sun, as reported in a study released on Tuesday.
The discovery of Gaia BH3 was serendipitous, emerging from data collected by the European Space Agency’s Gaia mission, according to Pasquale Panuzzo, an astronomer from the National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) at the Observatoire de Paris.
Situated 2,000 light years away in the Aquila constellation, Gaia BH3 was pinpointed by Gaia’s meticulous mapping of the Milky Way galaxy. Through precise measurements of star orbits, astronomers discerned the substantial mass of Gaia BH3, surpassing that of any previously identified stellar black hole in our galactic neighborhood.
Panuzzo expressed astonishment at the unexpected discovery, emphasizing its rarity in scientific endeavors. The stellar black hole’s existence came to light when astronomers detected a telltale “wobbling” motion in its orbiting companion star.
Despite its immense mass, Gaia BH3 remains dormant, lacking the proximity to its companion star necessary for matter-stripping interactions that typically emit detectable X-rays.
Gaia’s groundbreaking observations extend beyond Gaia BH3, having previously identified two other inactive black holes (Gaia BH1 and Gaia BH2) within the Milky Way. Over the past decade, Gaia has meticulously charted the positions and movements of over 1.8 billion stars, offering unprecedented insights into the cosmic landscape.
Stellar Black Hole, Gaia Mission