Black Holes Discovered in GIAD Cluster
Black holes remain one of the most intriguing phenomena of the universe. Recently, researchers have discovered signs of several black holes in the GIAD cluster, which may turn out to be closest to our planet. These data are based on simulations and observations using the GAIA space telescope.
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| Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society |
An article published in the journal Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society indicates the likely existence of several black holes in the GIAD cluster, which is the nearest open cluster to our solar system. This study was the result of collaboration among scientists led by Stefano Tornamenti from the University of Padua (Italy) and with the significant participation of Mark Guiles from the University of Barcelona.
The researchers utilized simulations to track the movement and evolution of all stars in the GIAD cluster, which is located approximately 150 light years from the Sun. These simulations were then compared with the real positions and speeds of stars in the GIAD cluster, obtained through observations from the GAIA space telescope, operated by the European Space Agency (ESA).
“Our simulations show that the mass and size of the GIAD cluster can only correspond to reality if there are black holes present in the center of the cluster,” explained Stefano Torniament.
The new data indicates that the black holes in the GIAD cluster are either still inside the cluster or very close to it, making them the closest black holes to the Sun, surpassing the previous candidate, the black hole Gaia BH1.
“These observations help us understand how the presence of black holes affects the evolution of star clusters and how star clusters, in turn, contribute to the sources of gravitational waves,” stated Mark Guiles from the University of Barcelona.