Astronomers Measure the Rotation Speed of Black Holes Using New Method
A team of international astronomers, led by Dr. Dheeraj (DJ) Pasham at MIT, made a groundbreaking discovery in February 2020. They were able to measure the rotation speed of a supermassive black hole for the first time using a new method. The astronomers observed a bright flash, named AT2020ocn, captured by the Zwicky Transient Facility at Palomar Observatory, which led them to track the speed at which the black hole was spinning.
The key to understanding the black hole’s rotation lies in the accretion disk formed after a tidal disruption event (TDE) when a black hole rips apart a star. The astronomers used a cosmological theory called Lense-Thirring precession to predict the wobbling pattern of the accretion disk. By monitoring the X-ray emissions around the black hole with the Neutron Star Interior Composition ExploreR (NICER) for 200 days, they were able to determine that the black hole was spinning at 25% of the speed of light.
This discovery opens up new possibilities for calculating the spins of other supermassive black holes in the galaxy, providing insights into their formation and life cycle. However, the rarity of TDE events and resource constraints on telescope time pose challenges for astronomers in tracking black hole spins.
New Research Uncovers Surprising Spin Speed of Black Holes
Recent research conducted by a team of astronomers, including Dr. Dheeraj (DJ) Pasham at MIT, has revealed surprising findings about the rotation speed of black holes. The astronomers observed a bright flash, AT2020ocn, which led them to monitor the black hole’s rotation using the Lense-Thirring precession theory.
By analyzing the X-ray emissions around the black hole with NICER for 200 days, the astronomers discovered a unique wobbling pattern that indicated the black hole was spinning at a relatively slow speed of 25% of the speed of light. This unexpected result challenges previous assumptions about black hole rotation speeds and could lead to a better understanding of their behavior.
The research, published in Nature, highlights the potential for calculating the spins of hundreds of black holes in the galaxy, offering valuable insights into their formation and evolution. However, the rarity of TDE events and limited telescope resources present obstacles to further exploration in this field.
Unlocking the Secrets of Black Hole Rotation with Innovative Research
In a groundbreaking study led by Dr. Dheeraj (DJ) Pasham at MIT, astronomers have made significant progress in measuring the rotation of black holes using a novel approach. By observing a bright flash, AT2020ocn, the astronomers were able to track the spin speed of a supermassive black hole for the first time, shedding light on its behavior.
The researchers utilized the Lense-Thirring precession theory to analyze the wobbling pattern of the accretion disk around the black hole, revealing that it was spinning at a slower speed than expected. This unexpected discovery challenges existing theories about black hole rotation and paves the way for future studies on the spins of other black holes in the galaxy.
While the findings offer valuable insights into the formation and life cycle of black holes, the rarity of TDE events and limited telescope availability present challenges for astronomers seeking to further explore the mysteries of black hole rotation.
