Astronomers have observed an unprecedented energy flare emanating from a supermassive black hole, a phenomenon initially detected in 2018 and still ongoing. This event is potentially the most powerful and distant energy flare ever recorded from a black hole, far exceeding the brightness of previous candidates.
The Unusual Flare Event: J2245+3743
The flare originates from an active galactic nucleus (AGN), a region around a supermassive black hole known to be actively consuming matter. This particular black hole is estimated to be over 500 million times the mass of our sun, residing at a staggering 10 billion light-years away — a considerable distance within the 13.8 billion-year-old universe. The flare itself is designated J2245+3743.
Potential Tidal Disruption Event (TDE)
While yet to be definitively confirmed, scientists believe this flare is likely a tidal disruption event (TDE). TDEs occur when a black hole’s intense gravity tears apart a star or similar object as it ventures too close. The event appears to have involved a star at least 30 times more massive than our sun, making it a particularly powerful event.
Unprecedented Brightness
The observed flare’s peak brightness reached an astounding level, estimated to be approximately 10 trillion times the luminosity of our sun. It initially shone up to 30 times brighter than any other flare previously detected, with its luminosity fluctuating by a factor of fortyfold during observations spanning several months. The lead author, Matthew Graham, a research professor of astronomy at Caltech and project scientist for the Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF), characterized this as “unlike any AGN we’ve ever seen.”
“The energetics show this object is very far away and very bright.” – Matthew Graham, Caltech
Comparison to Previous Record Holders
This new flare surpasses previous contenders, notably “Scary Barbie” (ZT20abrbeie), a 2023 flare believed to have consumed a star only three to 10 times the mass of our sun. The sheer scale of energy released by J2245+3743 distinguishes it as a unique occurrence.
Ongoing Observations and Future Research
Observations of the flare are still ongoing, although it is currently fading. Researchers theorize that the black hole hasn’t fully consumed its stellar meal, drawing an analogy to “a fish only halfway down the whale’s gullet.” Notably, the vast majority of the roughly 100 recorded TDEs exhibit brightness levels comparable to typical black hole feeding activity, making them difficult to detect. J2245+3743’s exceptional brightness dramatically distinguished it from the background, making it immediately apparent.
This exceptional observation provides invaluable insight into the behavior of supermassive black holes and the extreme processes that occur within active galactic nuclei. The ongoing study of this record-breaking flare promises to enhance our understanding of the universe’s most energetic events.
