Daily Current Affairs : 19-April-2024
Astronomers have made an exciting discovery in our Milky Way galaxy: a massive black hole nicknamed the “Sleeping Giant.” This black hole, formally named Gaia BH3, is located about 1,926 light-years away in the Aquila constellation. Its vast mass, almost 33 times that of our sun, makes it the second-closest black hole to Earth. This essay explores the discovery of Gaia BH3, its significance, and what it reveals about black holes.
How Was Gaia BH3 Discovered?
The discovery of Gaia BH3 was made possible by observations from the Gaia space telescope. This telescope detected a slight wobble in the motion of a companion star. Here’s how it works:
- Gravitational Influence: Gaia BH3’s immense gravity influences the movement of nearby stars.
- Wobble Detection: By observing this wobble, astronomers could infer the presence of the black hole.
This method is crucial for finding black holes, which are usually invisible. They do not emit light, making them challenging to observe directly.
The Significance of Gaia BH3
The identification of Gaia BH3 is important for several reasons:
- Massive Black Holes: With a mass of 33 solar masses, Gaia BH3 is one of the most massive black holes known. This raises questions about how such large black holes form.
- Metal-Poor Stars: The study suggests a link between massive black holes and metal-poor stars. Metal-poor stars are older and have less metallic content, which may play a role in the formation of these gigantic black holes.
Insights into Black Hole Formation
Understanding how black holes like Gaia BH3 form can help scientists learn more about the universe. Massive black holes may influence their surroundings in significant ways, affecting star formation and the evolution of galaxies.
Important Points:
Discovery of Gaia BH3:
- Nicknamed the “Sleeping Giant.”
- Located 1,926 light-years away in the Aquila constellation.
- Has a mass nearly 33 times that of the sun.
- Second-closest black hole to Earth.
How Gaia BH3 Was Discovered:
- Detected using the Gaia space telescope.
- Observed a wobble in the motion of a companion star.
- The wobble indicated the presence of the black hole through its gravitational influence.
Significance of Gaia BH3:
- One of the most massive known black holes.
- Raises questions about the formation of massive black holes.
- Suggests a link between massive black holes and metal-poor stars, which are older and have less metallic content.
Insights into Black Hole Formation:
- Helps scientists understand the universe better.
- Massive black holes may impact star formation and galaxy evolution.
Why In News
Astronomers have discovered the most massive known stellar black hole, nicknamed the “Sleeping Giant,” in the Milky Way galaxy; this extraordinary black hole, named Gaia BH3, is located 1,926 light-years away in the Aquila constellation and offers valuable insights into the formation of such colossal cosmic entities.
MCQs about Gaia BH3
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What is the nickname given to the newly discovered black hole in the Milky Way galaxy?
A. Cosmic Beast
B. Dark Enigma
C. Sleeping Giant
D. Stellar Phantom
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How far is Gaia BH3 located from Earth?
A. 1,500 light-years
B. 1,926 light-years
C. 2,500 light-years
D. 3,000 light-years
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What method did astronomers use to discover Gaia BH3?
A. Direct imaging
B. Observing supernovae
C. Detecting a wobble in a companion star
D. Measuring cosmic radiation
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Why is Gaia BH3 significant in the study of black holes?
A. It is the first black hole ever discovered.
B. It has a unique color.
C. It may help explain the formation of massive black holes.
D. It has a companion planet.
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