NSF NOIRLab Astronomers Discover the Fastest-Feeding Black Hole in the Early Universe

Using data from NASA’s JWST and Chandra X-ray Observatory, a team of U.S. National Science Foundation NOIRLab astronomers have discovered a supermassive black hole at the center of a galaxy just 1.5 billion years after the Big Bang that is consuming matter at a phenomenal rate — over 40 times the theoretical limit. While short lived, this black hole’s ‘feast’ could help astronomers explain how supermassive black holes grew so quickly in the early Universe.

Telescopio de Gemini Norte celebra nuevo aniversario con el confeti cósmico de una devoradora galáctica

Esta imagen captada por el telescopio de Gemini Norte, una mitad del Observatorio Internacional Gemini, muestra un conjunto de colores rosas y azules brillantes como si fuera una nube de confeti cósmico, haciéndola perfecta para celebrar el aniversario número 25 de Gemini Norte. La galaxia NGC 4449 es un excelente ejemplo de actividad estelar causada por la interacción con otras galaxias vecinas menores a las cuales absorbe lentamente.

Gemini North Captures Starburst Galaxy Blazing Bright With Newly Forming Stars

A festive array of bright pinks and blues makes for a remarkable sight in this image captured with the Gemini North telescope, one half of the International Gemini Observatory. Resembling a cloud of cosmic confetti, this image is being released in celebration of Gemini North’s 25th anniversary. NGC 4449 is a prime example of starburst activity caused by the interacting and mingling of galaxies as it slowly absorbs its smaller galactic neighbors.