Astronomers have captured a supermassive black hole actively feeding the early Universe. The black hole was captured during an impressive growth spurt.

New Delhi: Scientists using the Subaru telescope have identified quasars in the early universe dating back about 12 billion years. At the center of this active galaxy is a supermassive black hole that is growing at an extreme rate. The black hole is swallowing gas and dust at about 13 times the Eddington limit, far beyond the theoretical upper limit where the radiation pressure from the glow of tortured material balances the black hole’s gravitational influence and prevents further material from falling. The quasar has been designated as eFEDS J084222.9+001000 and exhibits an unusual combination of properties.

During their extreme accretion phase, black holes produce bright X-ray radiation from their hot plasma coronas and powerful radio emissions from their powerful jets. Many theoretical models predict that the internal flow structure changes during super-Eddington accretion, reducing the X-ray output while weakening or suppressing jet formation. The coexistence of intense X-rays, prominent jets, and high accretion rates casts doubt on theoretical predictions.

intermediate stage

Scientists suggest that this extreme object was captured during a brief transition phase after a sudden explosion of gas. This surge caused the system to enter a super-Eddington state, temporarily maintaining an active corona and activating powerful jets before the quasar settled into a more normal state. The powerful radio jet means that the black hole has enough energy to influence the host galaxy’s environment, and feedback from the black hole controls star formation. Galaxies coevolve with their central black holes.

The discovery provides scientists with a rare observation of extreme black hole growth in the early Universe and serves as a benchmark for improving models of accretion and black hole jets under such conditions. The discovery also reveals a potential mechanism that allows black holes to rapidly consume matter, not covered by current theories, and suggests that similar objects may exist undetected in the survey data. A paper describing the research Published in astrophysical journal.