In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists analyzing data from the European Space Agency’s Gaia mission have identified a massive black hole in the constellation Aquila, located less than 2000 light-years away from Earth. This black hole, named Gaia BH3, is the first of its kind detected within the Milky Way and has a mass nearly 33 times that of the Sun.
The unprecedented accuracy of Gaia’s data allowed researchers to pinpoint the mass of Gaia BH3 with exceptional precision, challenging current understanding of the development and evolution of massive stars. The star orbiting this black hole is an ancient giant star that formed in the early stages of the galaxy, suggesting Gaia BH3’s ancient origins.
Furthermore, the companion star to Gaia BH3 is rich in hydrogen and helium, holding potential clues to the formation of this binary system. This discovery marks just the beginning, as scientists plan to conduct further investigations into the nature of Gaia BH3 and anticipate uncovering more dormant black holes in the upcoming Gaia Data Release 4.
The study detailing the discovery of Gaia BH3, titled “Discovery of a dormant 33 solar-mass black hole in pre-release Gaia astrometry,” was recently published in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics. Gaia, a mission supported by all ESA Member States, was launched in 2013 and boasts over 450 specialists dedicated to processing and analyzing its vast wealth of data.
The significance of this discovery underscores the transformative impact Gaia is having on the fields of astronomy and astrophysics, providing valuable insights into the mysteries of the universe. Stay tuned for more revelations as scientists delve deeper into the mysteries of Gaia BH3 and its cosmic companions.
