The Two Largest Black Holes Ever Discovered

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In the world of astronomy, black holes have always been one of the most mysterious and intriguing phenomena. With their ability to suck in everything, including light, they not only demonstrate the tremendous power of nature but also raise significant questions about the structure and operation of the universe. Recently, scientists have discovered two supermassive black holes, believed to be the largest ever recorded.

According to Nicholas McConnell from the University of California, Berkeley, the first black hole, located in the galaxy NGC 3842, has a mass of 10 billion times the mass of the Sun. The second black hole, in the galaxy NGC 4889, is estimated to weigh as much as 37 billion times the mass of the Sun. These figures were determined by observing the movement of stars near the center of the galaxies, as the black hole’s mass directly influences the orbital speed of these stars. “Such a large mass can only exist in gigantic galaxies,” McConnell commented in his 2024 study.

Interestingly, although their colossal size has been proven using modern methods, accurately measuring their mass remains challenging. For example, in 2008, a research team reported that the black hole in the galaxy OJ287 had a mass of 18 billion times the mass of the Sun, but other hypotheses could still explain the periodic bright phenomena that this galaxy produces. “Current methods sometimes are not sufficient to rule out all alternative possibilities,” McConnell added.

“Supermassive black holes like NGC 3842 and NGC 4889 are excellent natural laboratories that help us better understand how galaxies evolve over billions of years.”
— Research from Nature Astronomy (2023)

Beyond the astonishing numbers, these two black holes provide important information about the evolution of galaxies. Scientists believe that black holes not only serve as attractive centers but also play a crucial role in shaping the structure and rate of development of galaxies. Experts suggest that these discoveries will propel further research, ultimately answering important questions about the formation of the universe.

Advanced technology, especially the James Webb Space Telescope, has allowed us to gain deeper insight into galaxies that contain these “light-devouring monsters.” Data from James Webb not only clarifies the surrounding environment but also offers new perspectives on how matter interacts under extreme conditions. Experts predict that these discoveries will spur more research, leading to answers to crucial questions about the formation of the universe.

The two largest black holes ever discovered not only mark a significant milestone in the field of astronomy but also stir humanity’s curiosity about the unexplored secrets of the universe. With their power, they continue to challenge our understanding and open up unlimited research potential about the cosmos.