Physicists detected a record-breaking merger of black holes, merging two with masses of 100 and 140 solar masses into a final black hole of 225 solar masses. This event, labeled GW231123, was detected by the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO), which measures gravitational waves produced by massive objects like black holes. The discovery comes amid concerns over potential cuts to US funding for gravitational-wave projects, emphasizing the importance of ongoing research in astrophysics and the understanding of black hole formation and evolution in the cosmos.
The merger was between black holes with masses too big for physicists to easily explain. We're seeing these forbidden high-mass black holes.
By modelling the signal detected by LIGO, scientists have calculated that the event, dubbed GW231123, was caused by two black holes with masses of about 100 and 140 times that of the Sun merging to form a final black hole weighing in at some 225 solar masses.
The latest detection, made in November 2023, is the biggest yet, highlighting the capabilities of LIGO and the potential for understanding black hole formation.
At a time when US funding for gravitational-wave detection faces devastating cuts, this discovery illustrates the significance of ongoing research in the field.
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