Archive · 25 Jul 2025
JWST Detects Figure-8 Galaxy with Newborn Black Hole
Imagine two galaxies bumping into each other, creating a cool shape like an infinity sign.
In the middle of this shape, scientists think they've found a brand new black hole forming!
Black holes are like cosmic vacuums that suck up everything, but we're not sure how they get so big so fast.
This new finding might help us learn.
Scientists used a special telescope to see this, and it could change what we know about how these giant black holes are born in the universe.
Astronomers discovered a galaxy shaped like an infinity symbol.
The galaxy, dubbed "Infinity," formed from the collision of two galaxies.
A supermassive black hole, possibly newly formed, was found in the center.
The discovery could challenge existing theories on black hole formation.
The James Webb Space Telescope, along with other observatories, was used.
- Who
- A team of astronomers led by Yale astronomer Pieter van Dokkum.
- What
- Discovery of an infinity-shaped galaxy with a potentially new supermassive black hole at its center.
- When
- The findings were recently published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters.
- Where
- In space, observed using data from multiple telescopes.
- Why
- To understand how supermassive black holes form and evolve, potentially challenging existing theories.
Competing Theories
Competing Theories
Black Hole Formation Theories
Competing Theories
Black holes grew from exploding stars over time.
Competing Theories
Black holes can form when enormous gas clouds collapse directly.
- Galaxy Name
- Infinity
- Lead Astronomer
- Pieter van Dokkum
- Telescope Used
- James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)
- Black Hole Location
- Center of the merging galaxies
- Publication
- The Astrophysical Journal Letters