Massive black hole found
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Discovery and Significance of Massive Black Holes
Massive Black Hole in M33 X-7: A Stellar-Mass Anomaly
A recent discovery in the nearby spiral galaxy Messier 33 (M33) has revealed a black hole with a mass of 15.65 solar masses, significantly higher than the typical stellar-mass black holes, which usually do not exceed ten solar masses1. This black hole, part of an eclipsing binary system, challenges existing models of stellar evolution, which struggle to account for such massive black holes in close binaries. The progenitor star must have retained much of its outer envelope until after helium fusion, and a common envelope phase must have occurred with less mass loss than typically assumed1.
Origins and Evolution of Massive Black Holes
Massive black holes (MBHs) are central to the dynamics of galaxies and the evolution of the cosmos. They are found at the centers of most galaxies, including the Milky Way, and can have masses up to billions of solar masses2 7. The origins of MBHs are still a mystery, with theories suggesting they could have formed from the collapse of massive stars or from high-density regions in the early Universe2. The detection of a 150 solar mass black hole by LIGO/Virgo has further blurred the lines between stellar and massive black holes, suggesting a continuum in their formation processes2.
MBHs in Dwarf Galaxies: A Common Phenomenon
Recent studies have shown that MBHs are more common in dwarf galaxies than previously thought. High-resolution simulations indicate that larger dwarf galaxies are more likely to host MBHs, although these black holes often wander within a few kiloparsecs of the galaxy center and have low accretion luminosities, making them difficult to detect3. The merger history of these MBHs is optimal for gravitational wave detection, providing a new avenue for their study3.
Early Universe Black Holes: The Case of CEERS_1019
The discovery of an accreting supermassive black hole in the galaxy CEERS_1019, just 570 million years after the Big Bang, provides crucial insights into the early Universe. This black hole, with a mass of approximately 8 million solar masses, is accreting at a rate exceeding the Eddington limit, suggesting rapid growth from either super-Eddington accretion or very massive initial seeds4. This discovery helps constrain models of black hole seeding and growth in the early Universe4.
Supermassive Black Holes in Giant Elliptical Galaxies
Observations have identified black holes with masses exceeding 10 billion solar masses in the centers of giant elliptical galaxies NGC 3842 and NGC 48895. These black holes are significantly more massive than predicted by existing correlations between black hole mass and galaxy properties, indicating that different evolutionary processes may influence the growth of the largest galaxies and their black holes5.
The Role of MBHs in Galaxy Evolution
MBHs play a crucial role in the formation and evolution of galaxies. They are believed to have powered quasars in the early Universe and continue to influence their host galaxies through feedback mechanisms7 9. The growth of MBHs is linked to the evolution of their host galaxies, with black holes and galaxy bulges growing in tandem9. Theoretical models suggest that the energy output from accreting black holes can regulate star formation and drive the evolution of galaxies9.
Conclusion
The discovery of massive black holes, from stellar-mass anomalies in nearby galaxies to supermassive black holes in the early Universe, continues to challenge and refine our understanding of black hole formation and evolution. These findings underscore the importance of MBHs in cosmic history and their central role in the dynamics and evolution of galaxies. Future observations and theoretical advancements will further illuminate the complex processes that govern the life cycles of these enigmatic objects.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
A 15.65-solar-mass black hole in an eclipsing binary in the nearby spiral galaxy M 33
The black hole in M 33 X-7 has a mass of 15.65 solar masses, making it the most massive black hole in an eclipsing binary system.
Highly CitedThe origins of massive black holes
Massive black holes must have originated from black hole seeds that have grown in mass over time, potentially from primordial origins in the Early Universe or the collapse of horizon-sized regions in the early Universe.
Highly CitedMultimessenger Signatures of Massive Black Holes in Dwarf Galaxies
Massive black holes in dwarf galaxies are more likely to be found in larger, more massive dwarf galaxies, with 50% not centrally located and their merger history optimal for gravitational wave detection by LISA.
Highly CitedA CEERS Discovery of an Accreting Supermassive Black Hole 570 Myr after the Big Bang: Identifying a Progenitor of Massive z > 6 Quasars
CEERS_1019, a massive, highly star-forming galaxy, has been discovered with an accreting supermassive black hole at z = 8.679.
Highly CitedTwo ten-billion-solar-mass black holes at the centres of giant elliptical galaxies
Two massive black holes with masses of 9.7 billion solar masses were discovered in giant elliptical galaxies NGC 3842 and NGC 4889, suggesting different evolutionary processes influence the growth of the largest galaxies and their black holes.
Highly CitedOn Black Holes in Massive Gravity
In massive gravity, a black hole solution can avoid horizon singularities by transitioning to self-induced de Sitter space-time, with non-trivial backgrounds.
Highly CitedBlack holes in the early Universe
Massive black holes formed within the first billion years of the universe, powering luminous quasars and populating galaxy centers today.
Highly CitedTHE OBSCURED GROWTH OF MASSIVE BLACK HOLES
Massive black holes form galaxy bulges and central black holes through the emission of a slow wind and a quasar-like spectrum, with the wind exerting the most force on the gas, terminating growth both black hole and galaxy when the Thomson depth drops to about unity.
Highly CitedThe Formation and Evolution of Massive Black Holes
Massive black holes play a major role in the evolution of galaxies, with their formation about 13 billion years ago and their growth within their host galaxies.
Highly Cited