Astronomers find another quasar in the early universe that really shouldn’t be there
The uncertainty of science: Using archival data from the WISE space telescope, astronomers have now identified another unexpected quasar in the early universe, only 850 million years after the Big Bang, that also flickers in several wavelengths.
The quasar’s flicker enabled the researchers to determine that, surprisingly, the ancient quasar’s whirlpool of gas and dust, known as an accretion disk, resembled a flat pancake, similar in shape to that of more modern-day quasars.
Their findings add to a longstanding mystery in cosmology: Why do supermassive black holes exist so early in the universe’s history? Physicists have assumed that a flat accretion disk reflects a relatively mature black hole that is in a calm and stable state. Black holes that are just starting to form, like those in the very early universe, should be more unsettled systems, with accretion disks that appear more puffy and chaotic.
The flat accretion disk around this very early quasar heightens the mystery of how supermassive black holes can grow and mature in a very short amount of cosmic time.
They estimate the quasar energy output is equivalent to about 12 trillion suns. Its flickering, ranging about 20% in power, makes it the first such flickering quasar found this early in time. Such early quasars however are not unique. Astronomers have found about 200, all of which should not exist, based upon present Big Bang cosmology. There simply hasn’t been enough time for them to evolve, based on present theories of galactic formation.
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I know so little about all this that I guess I might seem like a stoner, but here’s my question: does the whole universe do gravitational lensing, so they are actually seeing more recent quasars from the back?
When we were growing up, I just loooved learning about the Scientific Method:
Observation, Hypothesis, Theory.
“”Theory represents a well-substantiated explanation. It is formed only after a hypothesis has been repeatedly tested, evaluated, and confirmed through numerous experiments and observations””
If the observations and data do not fit, more hypothesizing is the next step.
I do not pretend to be a mathematician. I taught basic Middle School math for a while, and loved showing struggling students that anyone can master the basics of Algebra. It is logical. These new discoveries are NOT illogical. They just don’t fit.
Robert wrote: “”Astronomers have found about 200 [quasars] , all of which should not exist, based upon present Big Bang cosmology. There simply hasn’t been enough time for them to evolve, based on present theories of galactic formation.””
I look forward to the lay explanation and updates of current, accepted theories. There are galaxies and quasars that “shouldn’t be there” but they are.
The Wise and Webb Space Telescopes can “see” farther than the Hubble. What is out there that is past the limits of Webb? We shall “see.” I’ve always smiled at discussions of “the age of the Universe.”. Whatever is out there past where Webb can see is still part of the Universe.
I suspect 12 Trillion is a typo? That would be a black hole with an event horizon spanning over 7 Light Years!!!
MDN: I looked back at the press release and realized I might have misinterpreted it. It is the energy output of 12 trillion suns, not the mass. I have revised the post.
‘Who ya gonna believe? Me or yer very own eyes?’
“How did that get there! The Universe must have really messed something up here. What else could possibly explain why it does not fit Our Theory!”