Distant quasar shines as universe’s most luminous object
In a groundbreaking discovery, astronomers have identified the most luminous object ever observed in the distant universe – a quasar known as J0529-4351. This celestial phenomenon represents the brilliant core of a galaxy, fueled by an astronomical black hole boasting a staggering mass 17 billion times that of our Sun.
The remarkable findings, detailed in the journal Nature Astronomy, stem from observations conducted by the Very Large Telescope in Chile. Scientists have confirmed the voracious appetite of the black hole within J0529-4351, devouring mass equivalent to one solar mass every day.
Although the data on J0529-4351 was initially recorded many years ago, its true significance has only recently been recognized. According to Christian Wolf from the Australian National University (ANU), “We have discovered an object which has previously not been recognized for what it is; it’s been staring into our eyes for many years because it’s been glowing at its brightest for longer than humankind has probably existed.”
The term “quasar” is employed by astronomers to describe a specific type of Active Galactic Nucleus (AGN). Essentially, it denotes the highly energetic core of a galaxy powered by a massive black hole that attracts and consumes matter at an astonishing rate. The emitted light from this process is so intense that even from a considerable distance like that of J0529-4351, the quasar remains visible.
The quasar’s emissions have traveled an astounding 12 billion years to reach the detectors at the Very Large Telescope. Its luminosity is more than 500 trillion times that of the Sun, emanating from a hot accretion disc with a diameter of seven light-years – roughly 15,000 times the distance from the Sun to the orbit of Neptune.
Scientists involved in the discovery emphasize the pivotal role supermassive black holes play in the evolution of galaxies. ANU PhD student and co-author Samuel Lai explained, “In simple language, it means that without these black holes, our galaxy as we know it wouldn’t be what it is today. In fact, all galaxies would be very different without their supermassive black holes.”
The newfound mystery lies in how some black holes achieved immense sizes so early in the Universe’s history. Researchers are now exploring scenarios suggesting these objects grew directly from the gas present just after the Big Bang, possibly even preceding the formation of the first stars.
