Webb reveals black hole that formed before its galaxy
Researchers using the James Webb Space Telescope have discovered a black hole that formed before its host galaxy, located over 13 billion light-years away. This black hole, estimated to be 50 million solar masses, may have formed within the first second of the Big Bang, challenging previous theories about black hole formation. The findings suggest that some supermassive black holes were massive from the start, without needing a stellar collapse phase.
- ▪The black hole is located in the galaxy Abell2744-QSO1, which existed just 700 million years after the Big Bang.
- ▪The research indicates that some black holes can form without a significantly more massive host galaxy to feed them.
- ▪The black hole's mass is estimated at 50 million solar masses, making up two-thirds of the total mass of QSO1.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Science & Exploration Webb reveals black hole that formed before its galaxy 27/05/2026 4 views 0 likes ESA / Science & Exploration / Space Science / Webb Using the unprecedented imaging and spectroscopic power of the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope, researchers have mapped the motion and composition of gas orbiting a black hole in the centre of Abell2744-QSO1, a tiny galaxy more than 13 billion light-years away. The results suggest that the 50-million-solar-mass black hole predates its host galaxy, possibly forming within the first second of the Big Bang, and must have been immense from the start.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Esa.
