In a rare and dramatic cosmic spectacle, astronomers have borne witness to a supermassive black hole partaking in a two-course meal, a feat that was previously unheard of.
Using NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory and other telescopes, scientists discovered a black hole that not only ripped apart one star but is now repeatedly using the resulting debris to punch and destroy another celestial object. This unprecedented event sheds light on two cosmic mysteries and offers a glimpse into the chaotic environment surrounding some of the universe’s most prominent black holes.
The drama began in 2019 with a tidal disruption event (TDE) named AT2019qiz. Astronomers observed a frenzy of activity as the black hole’s intense gravity shredded a nearby star. However, what truly baffled them were the regular bursts of X-rays emanating from the black hole’s vicinity.
These bursts, dubbed quasi-periodic eruptions (QPEs), occurred approximately every 48 hours. The research team proposed a shocking explanation: another object, perhaps a star or a smaller black hole, was repeatedly colliding with the debris disk created by the TDE.
By meticulously combining data from NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory, the Hubble Space Telescope, and other instruments, scientists were able to witness these collisions in unprecedented detail. The Chandra data revealed a pattern of weak and strong X-ray signals, while Hubble’s ultraviolet observations helped determine the size of the debris disk.
This discovery marks the first concrete link between TDEs and QPEs, two previously separate areas of astronomical study. Some QPEs may result from objects interacting with the aftermath of tidal disruption events.
This finding has far-reaching implications. It opens new avenues for detecting and studying objects in close orbit around supermassive black holes, potentially providing targets for future gravitational wave observatories. Moreover, it offers a unique window into the dynamic and violent processes occurring in the extreme environments near these cosmic giants.
As astronomers continue to analyze this system and search for similar events, they are excited about discoveries that could deepen our understanding of the prevalence and characteristics of objects orbiting supermassive black holes throughout the universe. This research, published in the journal Nature, marks a significant step forward in our understanding of these enigmatic cosmic phenomena.