Daily Current Affairs : 22-February-2024
Astronomers have made an exciting discovery: they have found the brightest object in the universe, a quasar called J0529-4351. This incredible object is powered by the fastest-growing black hole ever recorded. Let’s explore what this means and the significance of this discovery.
What is J0529-4351?
Initially, astronomers thought J0529-4351 was just a star. However, using the European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope, they discovered it is much more than that. This quasar is located over 12 billion light-years away from Earth. What makes it particularly fascinating is its black hole, which is consuming an enormous amount of material.
Key Facts About J0529-4351:
- Distance: Over 12 billion light-years from Earth.
- Black Hole Size: 17 billion times the mass of our sun.
- Consumption Rate: The black hole devours the equivalent of one sun every day.
Understanding Quasars and Blazars
Quasars and blazars are both types of astronomical objects powered by supermassive black holes, but they have different characteristics.
Differences Between Blazars and Quasars
| Characteristic | Blazars | Quasars |
|---|---|---|
| Orientation | Jet observed almost end-on | Jet observed at larger angles |
| Spectral Features | Faster-than-light movements | Broad optical lines, thermal spectra |
| Energy Distribution | X-ray emission features | Smooth energy distributions |
| Luminosity Variability | Varies on short timescales | Varies over longer periods |
| Jet Direction | Relativistic jet pointing towards Earth | Angled view of the accretion disk |
Important Points:
Discovery of J0529-4351:
- Brightest object in the universe.
- Initially mistaken for a star.
- Found using the European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope.
Key Facts About J0529-4351:
- Located over 12 billion light-years away from Earth.
- Black hole mass: 17 billion times that of our sun.
- Consumes one sun’s worth of material every day.
Differences Between Blazars and Quasars:
- Orientation:
- Blazars: Jet observed almost end-on.
- Quasars: Jet observed at larger angles.
- Spectral Features:
- Blazars: Faster-than-light movements.
- Quasars: Broad optical lines, thermal spectra.
- Energy Distribution:
- Blazars: X-ray emission features.
- Quasars: Smooth energy distributions.
- Luminosity Variability:
- Blazars: Varies on short timescales.
- Quasars: Varies over longer periods.
- Jet Direction:
- Blazars: Relativistic jet pointing towards Earth.
- Quasars: Angled view of the accretion disk.
Why In News
Astronomers have discovered the brightest object in the universe, a remarkable quasar powered by the fastest-growing black hole on record, which offers new insights into the nature of these enigmatic cosmic phenomena.
MCQs about The Brightest Object in the Universe
-
What is the name of the brightest object in the universe discovered by astronomers?
A. J0529-4351
B. Blazar-1122
C. Supernova X-99
D. Galaxy Z-7
-
How far is the quasar J0529-4351 located from Earth?
A. 1 billion light-years
B. 5 billion light-years
C. 12 billion light-years
D. 20 billion light-years
-
What distinguishes a blazar from a quasar in terms of orientation?
A. Blazars have broader spectral lines.
B. Blazars are observed at larger angles.
C. Blazars have their jets observed almost end-on.
D. Blazars have a smaller energy distribution.
-
What is the mass of the black hole powering the quasar J0529-4351?
A. 1 billion times that of the sun
B. 10 billion times that of the sun
C. 17 billion times that of the sun
D. 100 billion times that of the sun
Boost up your confidence by appearing our Weekly Current Affairs Multiple Choice Questions
