Astronomers have recently observed a fascinating phenomenon in the universe: the activation of a supermassive black hole at the core of a distant galaxy. This extraordinary event is taking place in the galaxy SDSS1335+0728, located 300 million light-years away in the Virgo constellation.
In late 2019, astronomers detected a sudden increase in the galaxy's brightness using the Zwicky Transient Facility's telescope at the Palomar Observatory in California. This unexpected spike in luminosity prompted further investigation by an interdisciplinary team of astronomers and engineers.
Upon analyzing data from various space- and ground-based telescopes, researchers confirmed that the galaxy is hosting an active galactic nucleus powered by a supermassive black hole. The galaxy's luminosity has been steadily increasing for over four years, defying typical celestial events like supernova explosions or tidal disruption events.
To unravel the mystery behind this unprecedented behavior, astronomers consulted archival data from multiple observatories and conducted follow-up observations using advanced telescopes such as the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope and NASA's space-based observatories.
The findings suggest that the galaxy has undergone a significant transformation, emitting a higher amount of ultraviolet, visible, and infrared light, as well as X-rays. This unique behavior has puzzled scientists, leading them to speculate that they are witnessing the real-time activation of a massive black hole.
Supermassive black holes, with masses exceeding 100,000 times that of the sun, are typically dormant and invisible. The awakening of the black hole in SDSS1335+0728 offers valuable insights into the growth and evolution of these celestial giants.
While previous research hinted at galaxies transitioning from inactive to active states due to black hole activity, witnessing the direct awakening of a supermassive black hole is a groundbreaking discovery. This rare cosmic event sheds light on the mechanisms governing black hole behavior and may provide clues about the future evolution of galaxies.
As astronomers continue to monitor SDSS1335+0728 and other celestial objects, they anticipate that advanced instruments like the MUSE on the VLT and the upcoming Extremely Large Telescope will play a crucial role in unraveling the mysteries of the cosmos.
