Indian Scientists Find Three Supermassive Black Holes Merging In Far-Off Cosmos

Indian astronomers have achieved a fantastic feat after observing the merger of three black holes. The three black holes emanated from three different galaxies and went on to create a giant galactic nucleus-like structure in the cosmos on Friday.

The mind-bending process (quite literally) was observed in a newly discovered galaxy which shines brighter than usually seen in galaxies.

The merger of three black holes was recorded by scientists from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) after unusual emissions were detected from the NGC7734 galaxy.

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Complementing this was brightness emanating from the northern arm of neighbouring NGC7733 galaxy.

IIA researchers who achieved the feat include Jyoti Yadav, Mousumi Das, and Sudhanshu Barway who worked in collaboration with Francoise Combes from College de France, Chaire Galaxies et Cosmologie in Paris.

How were the black holes detected?

To record their findings, astronomers employed the Ultra-Violet Imaging Telescope (UVIT), with additional help from MUSE in Chile - a field optical telescope.

Infrared pictures from the IRSF in South Africa were also used in the process.

AFP

Let's get this straight: Black holes are not easy to detect, for the gravity is so strong in these elusive structures that not even light can escape and is sucked in to the other side.

Also read: After 50 Years, Stephen Hawking's Theory On Black Holes Proven Correct

What's on the other side? We'll never know. Perhaps black holes are the cosmos' transit system as shown in the sci-fi animated series Voltron. (PS: We suggest watching the spoof on Rick & Morty instead)

The fact that the black holes were detected in the first place is a phenomenal feat, for in the absence of any light, black holes just do not give off any clear proof of their own existence.

Only in some cases where the light from objects and gases that are sucked into black holes appears as a ring can these gigantic structures be spotted relatively easily.

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Black holes are everywhere!

Most black holes are identified by studying how they're interacting with objects in their vicinity. If the gravity is unreasonably strong, the region most probably has a black hole. Such mergers are not uncommon in the universe, but their detection is.

Also read: NASA Captures Supermassive Black Holes Merging In A Stunning Celestial Image

Most galaxies form by interacting with each other over time. In fact, the home of our planet Earth - the Milky Way will eventually collide with our neighbouring galaxy - the Andromeda and form a brand new bigger galaxy from scratch.

In the process, everything that exists in these galaxies will be rearranged and reformed. Andromeda is already on a collision course with the Milky Way. But don't worry, none of us will live long enough to witness it.