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How Big Is TON 618 Really · Boring Science

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Speaker 1: Light from this object takes over ten billion years to
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reach us. When you look at Ton six one eight,
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you're seeing something from when the universe was barely three
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billion years old. That single fact should tell you this
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isn't an ordinary black hole. We're going to explore the
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actual size of Ton six one eight, and I need
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to be clear from the start. The numbers involved will
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challenge your ability to comprehend scale itself. This isn't hyperbole.
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The human brain didn't evolve to grasp distances measured in
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hundreds of billions of kilometers or masses equivalent to sixty
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six billion suns. But we're going to try anyway, using
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every comparison and perspective shift we can muster. By the
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end of this journey, you'll understand why Ton six one
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eight represents one of the most extreme objects physics allows
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to exist. You'll see why it shouldn't exist at all
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according to some theories, and you'll grasp why astronomers sometimes
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go quiet when they talk about it, as if they've
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stumbled onto something the universe forgot to keep hidden. If
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you find comfort in these gentle explorations of space and science,
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I'd be grateful if you'd consider subscribing and giving this
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video alike. Let's start with where this monster lives. Ton
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six one eight sits near the border between two constellations
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you've probably never heard of, Caine's Vanatiche and Coma Berenicis.
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The distance is staggering in two different ways. The light
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we see left Ton six one eight roughly ten point
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eight billion years ago. That's the light travel time. But
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because because the universe has been expanding while that light
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journeyed toward us, the actual comoving distance is approximately eighteen
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point two billion light years. Think about what that means
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for a moment. When the light currently hitting our telescopes
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began its journey, Earth didn't exist, our Sun didn't exist.
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The Milky Way looked completely different. Dinosaurs were still four
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billion years in the future. But distance is just the
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opening act. The real story is what Ton six' one
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eight actually is. Ton six' one eight is classified as a,
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quasar specifically a hyper luminous broad absorption line radio loud.
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Quasar that's a mouthful of technical terms that each reveals something.
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Crucial strip away the jargon and you're left with this
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TO n six one eight is a supermassive black. Hole
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actively feeding on an enormous accretion disk of superheated, matter
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releasing more energy than most galaxies, combined while simultaneously blasting
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radio waves across the cosmos and driving powerful winds of
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material away from itself at thousands of kilometers per. Second
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the black hole at the center is where things get
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genuinely uncomfortable for our sense of. Scale mass estimates vary
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depending on which measurement technique you. Trust the higher, estimate
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widely cited in popular sources Puts ton six hundred eighteen
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at sixty six billion solar. Masses that's sixty six billion
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times the mass of Our. SUN a more recent twenty
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nineteen measurement using different spectral lines suggests forty point seven
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billion solar. Masses either, way we're talking about a black
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hole that contains more mass than all the stars in
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the Entire Milky way galaxy, combined which clock in at
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around sixty four billion solar. Masses let that settle this single.
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Object this one black hole has more mass packed into
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it than our entire galaxy's worth of. Stars to put
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this in, perspective compare it To, sagittarius a. Star the
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supermassive black hole at the center of our Own Milky.
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Way sagetarius a star weighs in at four point three
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million solar. Masses it's not small by any. Standard its
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event horizon would fit Inside mercury's. Orbit But ton six
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one eight is roughly fifteen, thousand three hundred times more.
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Massive If sagittarius a star is a, Marble ton six
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one eight is a beach, ball the size of a.
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House now let's talk about the physical, size because this
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is where your intuition completely. FAILS a black hole's size
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is defined by its Schwartz child, radius the distance from
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the center to the event, horizon that point of no
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return where even light cannot. Escape For ton six one,
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eight this radius measures approximately one, thousand three hundred astronomical.
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Units one astronomical unit is the distance From earth to The,
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sun roughly one hundred fifty million, kilometers so we're talking
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about one, thousand three hundred times that. Distance the event horizon,
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diameter the full width across is roughly two, thousand six
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hundred astronomical, units or about three hundred ninety billion. Kilometers
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let me give you a reference point that m might Help,
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neptune the most distant planet in our solar system orbits
6:05
The sun at an average distance of thirty astronomical. Units
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pluto out in The Kuiper belt averages about forty astronomical.
6:14
Units The Kuiper belt itself extends to roughly fifty astronomical.
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Units ton six one eight's event horizon extends more than
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forty times farther Than neptune's. Orbit you could fit our
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entire solar system from The sun out to The Kuiper
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belt inside tons six one eighths event horizon more than
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forty times over line up forty complete solar systems side by,
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side and you just about span the diameter of this
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black hole's point of no. Return still having trouble visualizing,
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it let's try. This light travels at two hundred ninety nine,
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thousand seven hundred ninety two kilometers per. Second at that,
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speed light takes about eight minutes to travel from The
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sun To. Earth it takes light about four hours to Reach.
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Neptune but to cross from one side of tons six
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to one eight's event horizon to the other would take
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light moving at the fastest speed possible in our. Universe several,
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WEEKS nasa created a visualization comparing black holes And when
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they Reached ton six one eight at the, end they
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noted that its shadow is so enormous that a beam
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of light would take weeks to traverse. It compare that
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TO m eighty, seven the famous black hole photographed by
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the event horizon. TELESCOPE m eighty seven's black hole contains
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about five point four billion solar, masses and light would
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take roughly two and a half days to cross its.
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Shadow ton six one eight is in a completely different.
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Category the sheer scale creates a bizarre situation if you
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could somehow Observe ton six one eight up, close which
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you absolutely could not. Survive but let's pretend the event
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horizon would look more like a wall or barrier stretching
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infinitely in all directions than a spherical. Boundary your human
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field of view couldn't encompass enough of it to perceive the.
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Curve it would just be a flat black surface extending
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beyond your visual horizon in every, direction with space itself
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warping so severely near it that the laws of physics
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as you understand them would cease to make intuitive. Sense
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here's something that might disturb. You if you were falling
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Toward ton six one, eight you could cross the event
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horizon without immediately noticing anything. Wrong the gravitational, gradient the
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difference in gravitational pull between your head and feet would
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be relatively gentle compared to smaller black. Holes you'd pass
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the point of no return still, intact still, conscious with
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no immediate sensation that anything had. Changed only, later as
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you continued, falling would tidal forces eventually tear you, apart
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but the crossing itself almost. Peaceful smaller black holes rip
9:32
you apart before you reach the event. Horizon ton six
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one eight is so large that its event horizon is almost. Gentle,
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now let's consider what surrounds this. Monster Because tons six
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to one eight doesn't sit in empty, space quietly, existing
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it's violently. Active as a, Quasar ton six one eight
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is actively feeding matter spirals inward through an accretion, disc
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a swirling disc of gas and dust being pulled toward
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the event. Horizon as this material accelerates and, compresses friction
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heats it to extreme. Temperatures we're talking about millions of.
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Degrees in some. Regions the accretion disc itself would extend
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for light days or even light. Weeks from the black,
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hole this superheated matter releases radiation across the entire electromagnetic
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spectrum radio, waves, microwaves, infrared visible, light, ULTRAVIOLET x, rays gamma.
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Rays the amount of energy being released is almost. Incomprehensible
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ton six one eight shines with the luminosity of approximately
10:51
four times ten to the fortieth power. Watts to put
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that in more familiar, Terms ton six one eight is
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one hundred forty trillion times brighter than Our, sun one,
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object outputting more light and energy than one hundred forty
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trillion suns. Combined the host galaxy Surrounding ton six one,
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eight and there must be one because quasers sit at
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the centers of, galaxies is completely outshone by the central.
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Quaser despite potentially containing hundreds of billions of, stars the
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galaxy is invisible From. Earth the black hole's accretion disc
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is so bright that the entire galaxy is lost in the.
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Glare gas is falling Into ton six one eight at
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speeds approaching seven thousand kilometers per. Second that's roughly two
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point three percent the speed of. Light material is being
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consumed at an enormous, rate converting mass to energy with terrifying.
11:58
Efficiency some of this infalling gas has been measured moving
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at speeds up to ten, thousand five hundred kilometers per
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second about three point five per cent light, speed demonstrating
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the immense gravitational. Pull but not everything falls. In ton
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six one eight also drives powerful. Outflows it's classified as
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a broad absorption line, quasar meaning its spectrum shows evidence
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of strong winds being driven away from the black. Hole
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radiation pressure from the accretion disk is so intense that
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it literally blows material outward at thousands of kilometers per.
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Second these winds carry away significant amounts of matter and,
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energy potentially affecting star formation across the entire host. Galaxy
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ton six one eight is also radio, loud producing significant
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radio emissions from relativistic. Jets these are streams of charged
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particles accelerated to near light, speed shooting outward perpendicular to
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the accretion. Disk the jets carry enormous energy and extend
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far beyond the black hole, itself potentially reaching across hundreds
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of thousands of light. Years in twenty twenty, one observations
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from The Atacama Large Millimeter array revealed something, remarkable an
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enormous nebula of gas Surrounding ton six hundred eighteen and
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its host. Galaxy This liman alpha, blob as it's, called
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has a diameter of at least one hundred kilo, parsex
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about three hundred thirty thousand light. Years that's twice the
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diameter of our Entire Milky way. Galaxy this nebula consists
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of two, parts an inner molecular outflow and an extensive
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cold molecular gas in the circumgalactic. Medium each part has
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a mass of approximately fifty billion solar masses. Combined that's
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one hundred billion solar masses of, gas more massive than
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the black hole. Itself both components are aligned with the radio,
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jets suggesting the black hole's activity has shaped the distribution
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of gas on truly galactic. Scales this gas represents an
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enormous reservoir that could potentially fuel future star formation or
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be consumed by the black. Hole the extreme radiation From
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ton six hundred eighteen excites hydrogen in the nebula so
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intensely that it glows brightly in The liman alpha, line
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an ultraviolet. Wavelength the nebula's existence and structure provide crucial
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insights into how galaxies formed in the early universe and
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how supermassive black holes influence their. Surroundings the temperatures Within
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ton six one eighth immediate environment reach approximately thirty eight
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thousand degrees celsius in some, regions with the innermost parts
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of the accretion disc potentially reaching millions of. Degrees at these,
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temperatures atoms are completely ionized and matter exists in a plasma,
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state emitting intense. Radiation so that's the basic picture Of
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ton six hundred. Eighteen an ultra massive black, hole possibly
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the most massive ever directly, measured surrounded by a vast accretion,
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disc releasing energy equivalent to one hundred forty trillion, suns
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driving powerful jets and, winds embedded in a nebula twice
15:53
the size of our, galaxy existing at a time when
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the universe was barely three billion years. Old but understanding the,
16:02
scale really grasping, it requires more than just. Numbers in
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the next, section we're going to break down exactly what
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those numbers mean by Comparing ton six hundred eighteen to
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objects you can actually. Visualize we'll work our way up
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from familiar scales to the truly, cosmic building a ladder
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of comprehension that might actually let you grasp what sixty
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six billion solar masses really means because right, now even
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armed with all these, facts you probably can't truly picture.
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It that's what we need to. Fix let's start with
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something you understand. Yourself you're about one point seven meters,
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tall maybe a bit more or. Less hold that image,
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Now picture standing next to a blue whale thirty meters,
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long the largest animal ever to exist On. Earth you'd
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barely reach its. Eye that's a scale jump your brain can.
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Handle now take another leap The International Space, station orbits
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four hundred kilometers Above. Earth you'd need to stack two
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hundred thirty five thousand blue whales end to end to reach.
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It that's starting to get difficult to, visualize but you
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can still sort of imagine it because you've seen pictures
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Of earth from. Space The moon sits three hundred eighty
17:35
four thousand kilometers, away nearly a thousand times farther than the.
17:40
Miss here's where most people's intuition. Breaks The sun is
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one hundred fifty million kilometers From earth one astronomical. Unit
17:51
that's the standard measuring stick for Our solar. System, neptune
17:57
the outermost, planet orbits at the thirty astronomical, Units pluto
18:03
wanders out to about forty astronomical units at its farthest.
18:07
Point the Entire solar system you learned about in, school
18:12
everything from mercury to The Kuiper belt fits comfortably within
18:16
fifty astronomical. Units ton six one eight's event horizon has
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a radius of thirteen hundred astronomical. Units read that. Again
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the edge of this black, hole not the accretion, disc
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not the surrounding, nebula just the point of no return
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where even light can't, escape extends twenty six times farther
18:41
Than pluto's. Orbit if you Place ton six' one eight
18:45
where Our sun, sits its event horizon would swallow every,
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planet every, asteroid every, comet every piece of rock and
18:55
ice in our Entire solar system and still extend outward
18:59
INTO mp space for another twelve hundred and fifty astronomical.
19:04
Units but that's just the event. Horizon that's not even
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the full. Picture remember that accretion disk we, discussed the
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glowing mailstrom of superheated matter spiraling into the black. Hole
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it would extend significantly, farther possibly light days or even
19:24
light weeks from the event horizon. Itself we're talking about
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a structure so vast that light traveling at three hundred
19:32
thousand kilometers per second would take days to cross from
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one side to the. Other let's try another. Angle. Mass
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Our sun contains ninety nine point eight six percent of
19:46
all the mass in Our solar, System, Jupiter, saturn all
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the other, planets the asteroid, belt, everything their rounding. Errors
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compared to The, sun The sun is basically The solar
20:00
system's mass. Budget ton six one eight contains sixty six
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billion times more mass than. That the Entire Milky way
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galaxy two hundred billion to four hundred billion, stars all
20:15
the gas, clouds all the, dust all the planets orbiting
20:18
all those, stars the super massive black hole at our galactic.
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Center everything has a total stellar mass of roughly sixty
20:27
four billion solar. Masses ton six one eight a single
20:32
object out masses every star in our galaxy. Combined sagittarius a.
20:38
Star the black hole at The Milky way's center weighs
20:42
four point three million solar. Masses it's massive enough to
20:47
hold our galaxy together to orchestrate the orbits of billions of.
20:52
Stars ton six one eight is fifteen, thousand three hundred
20:58
times more. Mass when astronomers calculated these, numbers they had
21:03
to double check their. Math the figures seemed. Wrong they
21:09
still seem, wrong even though we verified them through multiple independent.
21:14
Methods here's what really breaks your, brain light speed. Comparisons
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you probably know that light from The sun takes eight
21:24
minutes and twenty seconds to Reach. Earth that's the light
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travel distance across one astronomical. Unit light From neptune takes
21:34
about four hours to reach. Us the edge of our solar,
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system light needs about seven hours to get. Here from
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that far, Out ton six one eighths event horizon is
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so enormous that a beam of light would take weeks
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to traverse its, diameter not hours. Weeks the exact same
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light that crosses our entire solar system in seven hours
21:59
would need more multiple weeks to travel Across ton six
22:02
one eight. Shadow compare that TO m eighty Seven, star
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the black hole we actually imaged with the Event horizon
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telescope in twenty, nineteen humanity's first direct photograph of a black.
22:17
Hole that object made headlines. Worldwide it weighs five point
22:23
four billion solar, masses making it one of the largest
22:27
black holes in the relatively nearby. Universe its shadow is
22:32
so large that light takes about two and a half
22:35
days to cross. It ton six one eight is more
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than ten times. LARGER nasa created a visualization scaling up
22:44
from small black holes to the largest known. Ones the
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animation starts with black holes a few times The sun's,
22:52
mass then jumps to progressively larger. Objects it works through
22:58
dozens of intermediate black, holes steadily increasing in. SCALE m
23:04
eighty Seven star appears near the end of this, progression
23:08
dwarfing everything that came before. It the animation treats it
23:13
as one of the final boss battles of cosmic. Scale
23:17
Then ton six one eight, appears AND m eighty Seven
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star looks. Small let's ground this in something. Tangible imagine
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you're an astronaut Approaching ton six one. Eight you're not falling,
23:32
In you're just flying past at a safe, distance maybe
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a few light years. Away you point your spacecraft toward
23:40
it and start your approach at light. Speed at that,
23:43
Distance ton six one eight would appear as a point of,
23:47
light brighter than anything in the, sky but still point.
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Like as you get, closer it starts to. Resolve, first
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you'd see the accretion, disc a glowing spiral larger than
24:02
any galaxy you've ever. Observed the light isn't, white it's
24:07
shifted across the spectrum from the intense gravitational. Effects space
24:13
around the black hole is so severely warped that light
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from behind it bends around to the, front creating a halo.
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Effect you'd see multiple distorted images of the accretion discs
24:26
simultaneously layered over each other in impossible. Geometry you're still
24:32
weeks away at light, speed weeks and the structure keeps
24:37
growing in your field of. View the accretion disc resolves
24:41
into spiral, arms each one a river of plasma hot
24:45
enough to vaporize anything that touches. It you'd see the
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jets if you looked perpendicular to the, disk columns of
24:53
matter accelerated to ninety nine point nine percent light, speed
24:59
shooting outward for hundreds of thousands of light. Years but
25:04
the event horizon, itself you still couldn't see it. Directly it's, black,
25:10
perfectly absolutely, black because no light escapes. It you'd only
25:17
see its silhouette against the accretion. DISC a spherical absence
25:21
where the universe simply. Stops that absence would span thousands
25:27
of astronomical. Units your entire solar system could fit in
25:31
the gap between where the accretion discs glow ends and
25:35
where space itself becomes visible again on the other. Side
25:39
now consider this from another. Perspective ton six one eight
25:44
formed when the universe was only three billion years. Old
25:49
that's less than a quarter of the universe's current. Age,
25:53
somehow in that cosmically brief, period this object accumulated sixty
25:58
six billion solar. Masses that's not just, impressive it's theoretically.
26:03
Problematic Black holes grow by accreting. Matter material spirals, inward heats,
26:10
up radiates, energy and eventually crosses the event. Horizon but
26:15
there's a natural speed limit to this, process called The eddington.
26:19
Limit when matter falls into a black, hole it releases enormous.
26:25
Energy that energy creates radiation pressure that pushes away additional infalling.
26:31
Matter the more massive the black, hole the higher Its eddington.
26:36
Luminosity but the relationship is. Linear double the, mass double
26:42
the maximum accretion. Rate For tons six hundred eighteen to
26:47
reach sixty six billion solar masses in three billion, years
26:52
it would need to accrete matter at rates that challenge
26:55
or exceed The eddington limit for significant. Periods standard astrophysical
27:01
models struggle to explain how this happens either the early
27:05
universe had conditions that allowed Super eddington, accretion Or ton
27:11
six hundred eighteen formed from an unusually massive seed black,
27:15
hole or it grew through an improbable series of mergers
27:20
with other massive black, holes possibly all. Three Professor Andrew
27:27
king from The university Of leicester calculated theoretical maximum masses
27:32
for black holes in two thoy. Fifteen his work suggested
27:37
that non spinning black holes couldn't exceed fifty billion solar
27:41
masses through accretion. Alone the physics become self. Limiting radiation
27:48
pressure eventually prevents further. Growth spinning black holes can reach higher,
27:53
masses potentially up to two hundred seventy billion solar masses
27:58
if they're rotating extremely. Fast ton six to one eight
28:03
sits at sixty six billion solar. Masses if it's not spinning,
28:08
rapidly it's already exceeded theoretical. Predictions if it is spinning,
28:14
rapidly it might still have room to, grow but it's
28:18
approaching the upper limits of what physics. Allows we might
28:22
be observing a black hole near the theoretical maximum, size
28:27
a cosmic endpoint where growth becomes. Impossible that's surrounding. Nebula
28:33
remember three hundred thirty thousand light years, across containing one
28:38
hundred billion solar masses of. Gas that's not, decorative that's.
28:44
Fuel that's material that could potentially feed the black hole
28:48
for millions or billions of years to. Come but Whether
28:53
ton six' one eight can actually consume it depends on
28:57
complex feedback mechanisms we don't fully. Understand the Black hole's
29:03
radiation might heat and disperse the gas before it can fall,
29:07
in or the gas might cool and, collapse providing sustained.
29:12
Feeding we're watching a cosmic drama whose ending we can't.
29:17
Predict here's one more comparison that might. Help our sun
29:23
will live for about ten billion years. Total it's currently
29:27
halfway through that. Lifespan when it, dies it'll puff off
29:32
its outer layers and leave behind a white dwarf with
29:36
about sixty percent of its current mass roughly point six solar.
29:41
Masses that white dwarf will then cool and fade for
29:46
trillions of, years eventually becoming a black, dwarf a, cold
29:52
dark cinder of carbon and. Oxygen ton six one eight
29:56
could swallow one hundred ten billion of those dead stars
30:00
and still have room for more inside its event. Horizon
30:03
you can't actually picture. This your brain isn't built for.
30:08
It we evolved to understand scales from centimeters to, kilometers
30:13
from seconds to. Decades our intuitions work for objects we
30:18
can see and time scales we can. Experience when you
30:23
try to visualize sixty six billion solar masses or structures
30:27
spanning thousands of astronomical, units you're using mental tools designed
30:33
for an entirely different problem. Set but now you have the,
30:37
scaffolding you understand the. Comparisons you know That ton six
30:44
hundred and eighteen outmasses our galaxy stars, combined that its
30:48
event horizon dwarfs our solar, system that light takes weeks
30:53
to cross, it that it shouldn't exist according to some theoretical,
30:58
models but does. Anyway the numbers might not create a
31:02
picture in your, mind but they create something, else context
31:06
for realizing just how far beyond normal cosmic scales this object.
31:12
Sits and there's another element to this scale problem that
31:17
Makes ton six one eight even stranger than the numbers alone.
31:22
Suggest we've been talking about its, mass its, size its energy,
31:27
output but we haven't talked about its, age or, rather
31:32
when we're seeing. It the light reaching us From ton
31:36
six one eight has been traveling for ten point eight billion.
31:40
Years think about what that. Means when those photons left
31:45
the vicinity of this, monster the universe was only three
31:49
billion years, old barely a quarter of its current. Age
31:54
The sun didn't exist, Yet earth didn't. Exist our entire
31:59
solar system wouldn't form for another six billion. Years we're
32:04
not Observing ton six one eight as it is. Now
32:08
we're observing it as it was in the cosmic equivalent
32:12
of early. Childhood and it was already this. Massive that
32:16
shouldn't be, possible not according to our standard models of
32:20
black hole formation and. Growth Black holes grow primarily through two,
32:25
mechanisms accreting matter from their surroundings or merging with other black.
32:31
Holes both processes take, time a lot of. Time starting
32:38
from stellar mass black holes the kind formed when massive stars,
32:42
collapse you'd need incredibly efficient growth over billions of years
32:48
to reach even one billion solar. Masses reaching sixty six
32:53
billion solar masses in only three billion years requires something
32:58
far more. Extreme The eddington limit becomes crucial. Here it's
33:03
the point where a black hole's radiation pressure from in
33:07
falling matter exactly. Balances the gravitational pull bringing matter in
33:14
push beyond this, limit and the radiation should blow away
33:18
the very material trying to fall into the black, hole
33:22
choking off further. Growth it's a self regulating mechanism that
33:26
prevents black holes from growing too. Quickly But ton six
33:32
one eight somehow bypass. This either it grew through Super eddington,
33:38
accretion somehow pulling in matter faster than the radiation pressure should,
33:43
allow or it formed from an unusually massive, seed or
33:48
it represents an improbable chain of, mergers or all three happened.
33:53
Simultaneously none of these explanations is particularly. Satisfying Super eddington
34:01
accretion requires special. Conditions we don't fully understand massive seed
34:08
black holes from direct collapse scenarios are theoretically possible but observationally,
34:14
unconfirmed and the merger scenario requires an unlikely confluence of.
34:20
Events yet here Sits ton six one, eight challenging our
34:24
theories by simply. Existing the discovery history adds another layer
34:28
to this. Puzzle ton six one eight wasn't found yesterday
34:34
with cutting edge. Technology it was photographed in nineteen fifty
34:38
seven at The Tonan Sintler observatory In mexico during a
34:43
survey of faint blue. Stars on those photographic, plates it
34:47
appeared decidedly, violate unusual enough to warrant catalog's entry number
34:54
six hundred. Eighteen but quasars hadn't been recognized as a
34:59
distinct class of objects. Yet that wouldn't happen until nineteen sixty.
35:04
Three so for thirteen, Years ton six' one eight sat
35:09
in a catalog as a mysterious violet, dot its true nature.
35:13
Unknown in nineteen, seventy a radio survey In bologna detected
35:19
radio emissions from its, location flagging it as potentially. Interesting
35:25
Marie Helene ulrich then obtained optical spectra at The MacDonald,
35:29
observatory revealing emission lines characteristic of. Quasers only then did
35:35
astronomers realize what they were looking, at not a faint
35:39
blue star in our, galaxy but a quasar billions of
35:43
light years, away powered by a black hole of incomprehensible.
35:48
Mass this delayed recognition isn't unusual in. Astronomy we often
35:54
observe things before we understand, them but it's particularly striking
35:59
WITH n six one eight because of what the delay,
36:03
represents humanity's gradual realization that the universe contains objects operating
36:11
at scales we hadn't. Imagined the brightness Makes ton six
36:16
one eight simultaneously visible and. Invisible it shines with the
36:21
luminosity of one hundred forty trillion suns with an absolute
36:27
magnitude of negative thirty point. Seven it's one of the
36:31
brightest objects in the known. Universe but that brilliance comes
36:37
entirely from the accretion disc and surrounding, material not from
36:43
stars in the host. Galaxy in, fact we can't see
36:47
the host galaxy at. All it's completely outshone by the central,
36:51
quasar potentially hundreds of billions of stars rendered invisible by
36:58
the light from matter falling into the black. Hole the galaxy,
37:02
exists it has, to as galaxies host these supermassive black,
37:08
holes but it's lost in the. Glare that accretion disk
37:13
deserves closer. Attention picture a structure extending light days or
37:19
light weeks from the black, hole where matter spirals inward
37:23
at velocities approaching seven thousand kilometers per. Second that's over
37:28
two percent the speed of. Light the friction and compression
37:32
heat this material to millions of. Degrees at those, temperatures
37:37
atoms are completely. Ionized electrons are stripped, away leaving bare
37:43
nuclei colliding at relativistic. Speeds the innermost regions reach the
37:49
highest temperatures potentially tens of millions of, degrees near the event,
37:54
horizon where orbital velocities. Peak this superheated plasma radiates across
38:01
the entire electromagnetic, spectrum radio, waves, infrared visible, light, ULTRAVIOLET x,
38:11
rays gamma. Rays every wavelength tells us something about the
38:17
physical conditions at different locations in the. Disk the spectrum
38:22
Of ton six hundred eighteen shows unusually wide emission. Lines
38:27
these lines come from gas in what's called the broad line,
38:31
region located beyond the accretion disc but still within the
38:36
black hole's gravitational. Influence the width of these lines indicates.
38:41
Velocity the faster the gas, moves the more the emission
38:45
lines Are doppler, shifted creating broader features in the. Spectrum
38:51
measurements show gas velocities reaching ten, thousand five hundred kilometers
38:57
per second in some. Regions that's three point five per
39:01
cent the speed of. Light this extreme velocity provides one
39:05
of the key methods for estimating the black hole's. Mass
39:09
the faster gas must orbit to avoid falling in the
39:13
stronger the gravitational, force which directly relates to the central.
39:18
Mass different research teams have used different spectral lines to
39:23
Estimate ton six hundred eighteen s, mass yielding different. Results
39:29
the original estimates using hydrogen beta emission lines suggested sixty
39:35
six billion solar. Masses more recent measurements using carbon four
39:40
emission lines produced a lower, estimate forty point seven billion solar.
39:46
Masses both measurements use the same underlying, data but different
39:51
calibration methods and. Assumptions this uncertainty. Matters If ton six
39:58
hundred eighteen is only forty billion solar, Masses it's still extraordinarily,
40:04
massive but falls within some theoretical. Predictions at sixty six
40:10
billion solar, masses it exceeds certain theoretical limits for non
40:14
spinning black, holes making it even more problematic for standard.
40:19
Models the truth probably lies somewhere in that, range but
40:24
the uncertainty reflects fundamental challenges in measuring black hole masses
40:30
at such extreme. Distances we're not weighing these objects. Directly
40:36
we're inferring their masses from the motion of surrounding, gas
40:40
which requires assumptions about the, geometry viewing angle and dynamical
40:45
state of the. System beyond the accretion disk and broad
40:50
line region lies something even more, remarkable The lyman alpha,
40:56
nebula discovered through observations with The ATTAKARMA a large millimeter
41:01
array in twenty twenty. One this structure spans at least
41:07
three hundred thirty thousand light, years twice the diameter of
41:11
The Milky. Way it consists of two distinct, components an
41:16
inner molecular, outflow likely driven by winds from the accretion
41:21
disc and jets from near the black, hole and an
41:25
extensive region of cold molecular gas in the circumgalactic, medium
41:31
the diffuse halo of materials surrounding the. Galaxy each component
41:36
contains roughly fifty billion solar masses of gas. Combined that's
41:42
one hundred billion solar masses more than the black hole.
41:46
Itself this nebula isn't just, decoration its evidence of the
41:51
black hole's influence extending across galactic. Scales the intense ultraviolet
41:57
radiation from the quasar ionized hydrogen in the, nebula causing
42:02
it to emit The lyman alpha, line a specific ultraviolet.
42:07
Wavelength this emission is so strong that ton six one
42:12
eight is classified as A lyman alpha, blob one of
42:16
the largest such objects. Known the alignment of the nebula
42:20
with the radio jets suggests a physical. Connection jets are
42:26
narrow beams of charged particles accelerated to near light, speed
42:31
shooting outward perpendicular to the accretion disc For ton six hundred.
42:37
Eighteen these jets carry enormous energy and, momentum potentially shaping
42:42
how gas is distributed across hundreds of thousands of light.
42:46
Years this interaction between the black hole and its environment represents.
42:51
Feedback the black hole affects its, surroundings which in turn
42:56
affects how much matter can fall back into the black.
42:59
Hole strong feedback can regulate or even halt black hole
43:04
growth by heating and dispersing the gas that would otherwise feed.
43:08
It Whether ton six one eight is currently in a
43:13
feedback limited state or still growing actively remains. Unclear the
43:19
surrounding nebula contains enough material to fuel continued growth for
43:24
millions or billions of, years but whether that material can
43:28
actually reach the black hole depends on complex processes we
43:33
don't fully. Understand ton six one eight is also classified
43:37
as radio, loud meaning it produces substantial radio emissions beyond
43:43
what comes from the accretion disc. Alone this radio emission
43:48
originates from the, jets where magnetic fields accelerate electrons to relativistic.
43:54
Speeds as these electrons spiral around magnetic field, lines they
44:00
emit synchrotron, radiation predominantly in radio, wavelengths but extending into
44:07
other parts of the. Spectrum the jets themselves are poorly.
44:11
Understood we know they exist because we detect their. Radiation
44:17
we know they carry substantial energy because the radio emission
44:21
is so, strong but the exact mechanism that launches them remains.
44:26
Debated it involves the black hole's, spin magnetic fields threading
44:32
the accretion, disc and the extraction of rotational energy from
44:36
the black hole itself through a process called The Blanford xenogec.
44:41
Mechanism For ton six hundred, eighteen the jets are aligned
44:46
with the nebular, structure suggesting they've been active long enough
44:50
to shape their environments. Significantly these outflows can suppress star
44:55
formation by heating gas and preventing it from color aapsing into.
45:00
Stars they can also trigger star formation in some regions
45:05
by compressing gas. Clouds the net effect depends on local
45:10
conditions and the jet's. Power ton six one eight also
45:16
shows broad absorption lines in its, spectrum another classification. Tag
45:21
these absorption features indicate high velocity winds flowing outward from the,
45:26
quasar likely driven by radiation. Pressure these winds can reach
45:32
thousands of kilometers per, second carrying away substantial amounts of
45:38
matter and. Energy this outflow represents yet another feedback, mechanism
45:44
as the black hole accretes matter and releases. Energy some
45:48
of that energy drives winds that expel, material potentially limiting
45:54
how much can fall in over cosmic. Time this feedback
45:59
may be why s supermassive black holes and their host
46:02
galaxies show correlated. Properties the black hole's growth and the
46:08
galaxy's evolution are intimately linked through these feedback. Processes Studying
46:14
ton six hundred eighteen in detail presents significant observational. Challenges
46:21
its extreme distance makes it appear faint despite its intrinsic.
46:25
Brightness the red shift stretches all. Wavelengths ultraviolet light is
46:31
shifted into the visible, range visible light into, infrared and so.
46:37
On this complicates, observations but also provides, opportunities as the
46:44
red shift moves some spectral features that would normally be
46:48
blocked By earth's atmosphere into observable. Wavelengths the host galaxy remains,
46:54
invisible outshone by the. Quasar current technology g can't separate
47:01
the galaxy's starlight from the overwhelming glare of the central.
47:05
Engine future telescopes like The James Web Space telescope or
47:10
planned extremely large telescopes may eventually resolve details about the
47:16
host galaxy's stellar, population, mass and. Structure what we do
47:22
know is That ton six' one eight represents a crucial
47:26
window into the. Early universe quasers were much more common
47:31
when the universe, was young during an era of rapid
47:35
galaxy formation and black. Hole growth as the universe aged,
47:40
and expanded galaxies consumed or dispersed much of, their gas reducing,
47:46
Fuel availability quaser activity declined as. A result modern galaxies typically,
47:54
have quiet supermassive, black holes, accreting slowly if. At all Our,
47:59
own sagittarius, a star is, relatively inactive consuming matter at a.
48:04
Modest rate But in ton six one, eight's era conditions favored.
48:10
Active growth galaxies were forming and, Merging frequently gas, was
48:15
abundant black holes, grew rapidly powering brilliant quasers visible across.
48:21
The cosmos ton six one eight catches this process near,
48:26
its peak showing us what the universe looked like during this.
48:30
Transformative period the fact that such massive black holes existed
48:36
so early constrains models of. Cosmic evolution it tells us
48:42
about initial conditions in, the universe about how matter, was
48:46
distributed about how quickly. Structures formed it tells us about
48:53
the physics of black hole formation in conditions vastly different from.
48:58
Today's universe something that doesn't quite Add up ton six
49:04
one eight, shouldn't exist at least not according to some of.
49:09
Our models the universe was only three billion years Old
49:14
when ton six. One eight look the way we see,
49:17
it now that's barely enough time for galaxies, to form
49:21
let alone for a black hole to accumulate forty to
49:25
sixty six billion. Solar masses standard accretion theory predicts growth
49:31
rates that simply can't produce something this massive. This quickly
49:36
the math. Doesn't work think about it. This way black
49:41
holes grow by, consuming matter but there's a natural speed
49:45
limit to, this process Called the. Eddington limit when matter
49:49
falls toward a, black hole it heats up and. Releases
49:53
radiation that radiation. Pushes outward at some point the outward
50:00
radiation pressure equals the inward. Gravitational pull the system. Reaches
50:06
equilibrium matter can't fall in faster than the radiation. Can
50:10
escape this sets a maximum. Growth rate even starting from
50:15
a stellar mass, black hole say one hundred, solar masses
50:20
and accreting At the eddington limit continuously for three, billion
50:25
years you'd only reach a few billion, solar masses not,
50:29
forty billion not sixty. Six billion the timeline doesn't. Allow
50:34
it so How did ton six hundred eighteen get so big?
50:39
So fast several theories attempt to explain. This puzzle one
50:44
possibility involves direct collapse instead of forming from a. Stellar
50:50
remnant perhaps some primordial black holes formed when massive gas
50:54
clouds in the early universe. Collapse directly bypassing the stellar,
51:00
phase entirely these seeds would start, much heavier maybe ten
51:05
thousand or even one hundred thousand. Solar masses that gives
51:10
them a. Head start another idea Suggests super. Eddington accretion
51:15
maybe under the, right conditions black holes can temporarily Exceed the.
51:20
Eddington limit the early universe was dense. With Gas perhaps
51:26
ton six one eight found itself in an environment so
51:30
rich with fuel that it, gorged itself growing faster than
51:34
the standard Limits predict some simulations show this might work
51:40
if the accretion disc is geometrically thick and radiation escapes
51:45
preferentially in certain directions rather than pushing. Uniformly outward there's
51:51
also the. Merger scenario if multiple black holes formed early and,
51:56
merged repeatedly they could build mass more quickly than a tcretion.
52:00
Alone allows each merger adds the combined mass instantly without
52:06
needing to wait for gas to spiral in a series of,
52:10
such mergers combined with steady accretion, between events might produce
52:16
an ultra massive black hole within the. Available time none
52:20
of these explanations is. Entirely satisfying each. Has problems direct
52:27
collapse requires very specific conditions that may not have. Been
52:31
Common super eddington accretion faces theoretical challenges about stability and.
52:38
Radiation escape mergers require an improbably high rate of collisions,
52:44
Early On yet ton six one. Eight exists the universe
52:49
doesn't care about our. Theoretical difficulties this brings us to
52:54
another fascinating Aspect of ton six. Hundred eighteen it might
52:59
be approaching its maximum. Possible mass in, twenty Fifteen Astrophysicist
53:05
andrew king calculated theoretical mass limits for black holes based on.
53:10
Accretion physics he found that for a non spinning, black
53:15
hole the maximum mass achievable through accretion is roughly fifty billion.
53:21
Solar masses if the black hole spins rapidly in the
53:25
same direction as its, accretion disc this limit increases potentially
53:31
to two hundred seventy billion. Solar masses the reason involves
53:35
the innermost stable. Circular orbit as a black hole, gains
53:40
mass this orbit. Moves outward eventually it reaches a point
53:47
where the gravitational pull at the issco isn't strong enough
53:52
to hold gas together against its own. Self gravity the
53:57
disc becomes unstable and can't deliver mass to the black.
54:00
Hole efficiently Growth stalls ton six, one eight with mass
54:06
estimates ranging from forty point seven to sixty six billion,
54:10
solar masses sits right at Or above king's limit for
54:15
non spinning. Black holes if the higher mass estimate, Is
54:19
correct ton six one eight might already be near its
54:23
accretion based. Growth ceiling it could be one of the
54:26
most massive black holes physically possible through, this mechanism but
54:31
black holes can still grow. Through mergers when two black
54:36
holes orbit each other and, eventually collide they combine. Their
54:41
masses this process doesn't face the same radiation pressure constraints,
54:46
as accretion so Even if ton six one eight has
54:53
maxed out its, accretion potential it could continue growing by
54:58
consuming other. Black hole, of course there's competition for the
55:02
title of largest. Black HOLE, phoenix a another ultra massive,
55:07
black hole has, been cited with mass estimates around one
55:12
hundred billion. Solar, masses however that measurement carries. Significant uncertainty
55:20
different techniques and assumptions produce. Different results the black hole
55:25
at the center Of the phoenix cluster, is enormous but
55:29
pinning down its exact mass. Remains challenging another contender is
55:34
the black hole in the QUASAR sd ssj one four
55:38
zero eight two one point six seven plus zero two
55:42
five seven three three point two tri saying that three.
55:46
Times fast its mass estimates also reach, extreme values though
55:52
again with. Substantial uncertainty the competition for largest black hole
55:58
depends heavily, on men, measurement techniques and which data sets. You,
56:03
trust recently in twenty, twenty five astronomers discovered what they're
56:08
calling The cosmic horseshoe, black hole weighing in at thirty
56:14
six billion. Solar masses this discovery used a combination of
56:19
gravitational lensing and, stellar kinematics a technique that provides more
56:25
direct mass measurements than spectroscopic. Methods Alone The cosmic horseshoe
56:32
ranks among the top ten most massive black, holes known possibly,
56:37
top five but even at thirty six billion, solar masses
56:41
it's still Smaller than ton six to one. Eight estimates
56:45
the difficulties in precisely measuring black hole masses mean rankings.
56:50
Can shift new, techniques emerge old measurements. Get revised what's
56:57
clear Is that ton six one eight remains a, top
57:00
contender consistently appearing in discussions of the universe's most massive.
57:06
Black holes what about? Its size not, its mass but its.
57:11
Physical dimensions the event horizon of a black hole scales with.
57:17
Its Mass for ton six, one eight The schwarz, child
57:22
radius the distance from the center to the event horizon
57:26
is approximately, one thousand three hundred. Astronomical units REMEMBER one
57:34
au is the Distance from earth To, the sun about
57:37
one hundred fifty. Million kilometers ton six one eight event
57:43
horizon extends, one thousand three hundred times. That distance to
57:48
put it, another way the event horizon's diameter is roughly,
57:52
two thousand six hundred. Astronomical units neptune Orbits the sun
57:58
at about thirty. Astronomical units ton six one eight could
58:03
swallow our entire solar system Out past neptune Past The
58:07
kuiper belt more than forty. Times over its event horizon
58:12
is larger than the orbits of all. Our planets combined
58:16
with room, TO spare nasa created a visualization comparing black.
58:21
Hole sizes it starts with stellar mass, black holes Moves,
58:26
through sagittarius a star At The milky, way's center CONTINUES
58:30
to m eighty seven's, black hole the one famously imaged
58:34
by the event, horizon telescope and ends WITH t n six.
58:40
ONE eight m eighty seven's black hole has an updated
58:45
mass of five point four billion. Solar masses its shadow
58:50
is so large that a beam of light traveling at
58:52
three hundred thousand kilometers per second would take about two
58:56
and a half days to. Cross It tom on six
59:00
one eighth's shadow dwarfs even that light would take weeks to. Traverse.
59:05
It weeks think about what that means Light circles earth's
59:12
equator more than seven times in, one second yet it
59:16
would need weeks To cross ton's six one. Eighth's shadow
59:20
the scale. Defies comprehension, this shadow the apparent size of the,
59:25
event horizon as seen by a, distant observer is actually
59:30
larger than The schwarz child radius due to. Gravitational lensing
59:35
the intense gravity bends light around the, black hole creating
59:40
an optical illusion that makes the shadow appear Bigger for
59:45
ton six. One eight this effect amplifies an already incomprehensible
59:51
size into something even. More extreme standing on a Planet
59:56
orbiting ton six, One eight if such a place it,
1:00:00
could exist you'd see a region of absolute blackness dominating,
1:00:05
the sky not just a, dark spot avoid. So vast
1:00:11
it would cover a significant fraction of the, visible sky
1:00:15
surrounded by a ring of tortured red shifted light from
1:00:19
the accretion disk wrapping around the event. Horizon's curve, of
1:00:23
course you couldn't actually. Stand there the tidal forces would
1:00:28
tear you apart long before you. Got close the radiation would.
1:00:32
Cook you the environment is utterly hostile to any conceivable form,
1:00:38
of life but as a, thought experiment it illustrates the
1:00:42
sheer presence such an object. Would have inside the, event
1:00:47
horizon causality. Breaks down all paths. Lead inward you can
1:00:53
no more avoid falling toward the singularity than you can
1:00:57
avoid moving forward. In time the, singularity itself the point
1:01:03
of infinite density at the black, hole's core remains hidden.
1:01:07
From view shielded by the, event horizon we can't observe.
1:01:11
It directly general relativity predicts, its existence but also suggests
1:01:17
our equations break, down there requiring a theory of quantum
1:01:21
gravity we don't. Yet have ton six one eight's temperature
1:01:26
profile offers another window into. Its extremes the accretion discs
1:01:31
emissions reveal temperatures around thirty eight thousand. Degrees celsius that's
1:01:36
the temperature of gas in the outer regions of, the
1:01:39
disk already hot enough to ionize atoms and produce intense.
1:01:44
Ultraviolet radiation closer to the, black hole temperatures climb even
1:01:50
higher millions. Of degrees at, those temperatures matter exist in a.
1:01:56
Plasma state electrons are stripped, from atoms the GAS emits
1:02:01
x rays and. Gamma rays this temperature gradient drives the
1:02:06
luminosity hotter regions emit. More energy the, inner disk where,
1:02:11
temperatures peak produces the most. Intense radiation as matter, spirals
1:02:18
inward it releases gravitational. Potential Energy for ton six, hundred
1:02:24
eighteen this process converts mass to energy with, extraordinary efficiency
1:02:31
far better than. Nuclear fusion that's why quasers shine so
1:02:35
brilliantly despite their. Compact size the Alignment of ton six
1:02:40
hundred eighteens radio jets with its nebula suggests a long
1:02:44
period of. Sustained activity jets don't. Form instantly they require
1:02:50
stable accretion and a strong magnetic field maintained. Over time
1:02:56
the fact that the nebula structure mirrors the jet orientation
1:03:00
indicates these outflows have been shaping their environment, for millions
1:03:04
possibly tens of millions. Of years ton six one eight
1:03:09
isn't a. Brief flare it's, a persistent powerful engine that
1:03:14
has been running for a significant fraction of. Cosmic history
1:03:18
this persistence raises interesting questions about. Duty cycles quasars don't
1:03:24
stay active forever fuel, supplies run low feedback mechanisms shut.
1:03:30
Down accretion the quasar, phase ends leaving behind, a dormant supermassive.
1:03:36
Black hole how Long does ton six one eight. Have
1:03:40
left is it near the end of its active phase
1:03:44
or just. Getting started we can't say, for certain but
1:03:48
given its enormous mass and the vast reservoir of gas
1:03:52
in the, Surrounding nebula ton six one eight likely has
1:03:56
fuel for continued activity for. Some, time Yet when tarn
1:04:01
six hundred eighteen eventually runs out of easily, accessible fuel it,
1:04:06
Will fade the accretion disk, will thin the jets will
1:04:11
weaken and. Shut off the brilliant quasar, will dim revealing
1:04:16
the host galaxy that currently remains hidden beneath. The glare
1:04:21
at that POINT to n six one eight will resemble,
1:04:25
the quiet supermassive black holes we see in, modern galaxies
1:04:30
massive but dormant waiting for a fresh supply of gas.
1:04:33
To reignite that future state represents the end point of.
1:04:38
Quasar evolution all modern galaxies with super massive black holes
1:04:44
likely went through quasar phases in. Their, youth sagittarius a
1:04:50
star At The milky, way's center probably shone as a
1:04:54
quasar billions of. Years ago now, it's quiet, accreting slowly
1:05:00
reducing only. Faint emissions tons six one eight shows us
1:05:05
what our galaxy's core might have looked like in, its
1:05:07
prime a blazing beacon visible across. The universe this evolutionary
1:05:14
Trajectory connects ton six one eight to every massive galaxy we.
1:05:19
Observe today the correlation between black hole mass and galactic properties.
1:05:24
Isn't coincidental supermassive black holes and their host galaxies grow
1:05:30
together through a process. Called coevolution when a quasar blazes at,
1:05:36
full power its radiation and jets heat, surrounding gas preventing
1:05:41
it from cooling and. Forming stars this feedback mechanism regulates
1:05:47
both star formation and black. Hole growth, without it galaxies
1:05:52
would convert gas into stars, too quickly exhausting their fuel
1:05:57
supply and looking nothing like the g galaxies. We observe
1:06:01
ton six one eight exemplifies this process. In action its
1:06:06
powerful jets inject energy into the. Surrounding Medium the lyman
1:06:11
alpha nebula shows clear signs of. This interaction gas heated
1:06:16
and ionized, by radiation structures aligned with, jet directions velocities consistent.
1:06:23
Without flows the black hole isn't just, consuming gas it's
1:06:29
reshaping its, entire environment determining what gas cools and, form
1:06:35
stars what gas gets heated, and dispersed what structures emerge
1:06:40
from the cosmic. Raw materials this feedback operates on multiple.
1:06:46
Scales simultaneously close to the. Black hole within the, accretion
1:06:51
disc temperatures reach millions, of degrees radiation pressure becomes so
1:06:57
intense it can reverse, the inflow creating winds that blow
1:07:02
material away. Farther out jets deposit energy across hundreds of
1:07:08
thousands of, light years even farther at. Megaparsec scales the
1:07:14
cumulative effect of many quasars heats the, intergalactic medium affecting
1:07:20
cosmic structure. Formation itself the efficiency of this process depends
1:07:25
critically On the, eddington limit the balance point between gravity
1:07:30
pulling matter inward and radiation pressure pushing. It outward for
1:07:35
a black hole of ton six hundred, eighteen's Mass the
1:07:39
eddington luminosity, is enormous roughly ten to the power of.
1:07:44
Forty watts ton six one eight shines at approximately four times,
1:07:49
that value Suggesting super. Eddington accretion how does it? Manage
1:07:55
this several mechanisms might Enable super. Eddington rate if the
1:08:01
accretion disc is geometrically thick rather, than thin radiation can
1:08:06
escape along the poles while matter continues flowing in along.
1:08:11
The equator if the accretion flow is clumpy rather, than
1:08:16
smooth dense clumps can shield material behind them from. Radiation
1:08:21
pressure if the black hole is, spinning rapidly frame dragging
1:08:27
effects near the event horizon can extract, rotational energy supplementing
1:08:32
the luminosity without requiring more accretion ton six one. Eight
1:08:38
s spin. Remains unknown measuring black hole spin requires observing
1:08:44
features near the, event horizon the innermost stable, circular orbit relativistic,
1:08:51
line profiles or spin dependent efficiency. Of accretion for an
1:08:57
object ten point eight billion, light away these measurements exceed.
1:09:02
Current capabilities we can only infer spin indirectly from luminosity and,
1:09:09
accretion signatures but spin matters enormously for. Maximum Mass andrew
1:09:16
king's theoretical work showed that a non spinning black hole
1:09:20
growing through accretion should max out around fifty billion. Solar
1:09:25
masses beyond, that mass the innermost stable circular orbit moves
1:09:30
outward past the point where gas self gravity can hold.
1:09:34
It together the accretion disc fragments. Growth, stalls however a
1:09:41
rapidly spinning black hole aligned with its accretion disc can
1:09:46
reach masses up to two hundred seventy billion solar masses
1:09:51
before hitting. This limit ton six hundred, eighteen's mass whether
1:09:57
forty point seven billion or s sixty six billion, solar
1:10:01
masses depending on, the measurement places it near or potentially
1:10:06
above the non. Spinning limit if the higher mass estimate,
1:10:10
Is correct ton six one eight must be. Spinning significantly
1:10:16
if the lower, estimate holds it might be approaching its.
1:10:20
Maximum size regardless. Of spin, Either way ton six one
1:10:26
eight likely won't grow much larger through. Accretion alone mergers
1:10:31
offer an alternative. Growth path when two black holes orbit,
1:10:35
each other they lose energy to gravitational waves and. Eventually
1:10:40
merge the resulting black hole has mass equal to the
1:10:44
sum of the original masses minus the energy radiated as,
1:10:48
gravitational waves typically a few percent for supermassive black holes
1:10:55
like Those in ton six one eight's, mass range mergers
1:10:59
could add tens of billions of solar masses in a.
1:11:02
Single event the, early Universe when ton six one eight,
1:11:07
was active experienced higher galaxy merger rates. Than today galaxies were,
1:11:13
closer together dark matter halos were. Still assembling major mergers.
1:11:19
Happened frequently each merger brought gas to fuel the quasar
1:11:25
and potentially delivered another supermassive black hole to merge with the.
1:11:29
Central one this environment favoured rapid black hole growth through
1:11:35
both accretion, and mergers but mergers also. Pose challenges when
1:11:40
two supermassive black holes enter the, same galaxy they don't.
1:11:44
Immediately merge they must first sync to the galactic center
1:11:49
through dynamical friction interactions with stars and gas that extract
1:11:55
energy and. Angular momentum this process works, well initially but
1:12:01
slows as the black holes form a. Bound binary getting
1:12:05
from a wide binary separation down to merger requires, additional
1:12:10
mechanisms interactions with a third, black hole a dense, stellar
1:12:15
cusp or a circumbinary. Gas disc this final parsec problem
1:12:22
has puzzled theorists. For decades some massive black hole binaries
1:12:28
might stall at separations of about, a parsec never merging
1:12:32
on time scales shorter than the age of. The universe,
1:12:36
if true this would limit how quickly black holes can grow. Through,
1:12:40
mergers however recent simulations suggest that in gas rich early,
1:12:46
universe conditions circumbinary discs provide sufficient torque to. Drive mergers
1:12:52
ton six hundred eighteen might have grown partly through. Such
1:12:57
mergers the broader absorption line Features in ton's six hundred
1:13:03
eighteen spectrum hint at. Powerful outflows these absorption lines appear
1:13:09
blue shifted shifted to, shorter wavelengths indicating material MOVING. Toward
1:13:16
us at, high velocities the gas absorbs specific wavelengths from the,
1:13:22
quasar's light creating dark lines in. The spectrum the width
1:13:28
and velocity of these lines reveal outflow speeds reaching thousands
1:13:34
of kilometers. Per second these outflows aren't accretion disc. Winds
1:13:39
alone their large scale, galactic winds driven, by radiation pressure.
1:13:44
And jets gas accelerated to these velocities carries enormous, kinetic
1:13:50
energy enough to heat the surrounding medium and potentially expel
1:13:54
it from the. Galaxy entirely this represents the feedback mechanism
1:14:00
in its most, direct form the black hole literally blowing
1:14:04
away its own. Fuel supply the mass outflow rate can
1:14:08
be estimated from the absorption. Line Properties for ton six,
1:14:13
hundred eighteen outflows likely carry away hundreds to thousands of
1:14:18
solar masses. Per year compare this to the accretion rate
1:14:23
needed to power the quasar several hundred solar masses. Per
1:14:28
year based, on luminosity the outflow and accretion rates. Are
1:14:33
comparable for every bit of matter the black, hole consumes
1:14:37
roughly an equal amount. Gets expelled this balance determines the.
1:14:42
System's evolution if outflows exceed accretion, too much the quasar
1:14:47
starves and. Shuts down if, accretion dominates the black hole grows.
1:14:53
Without limit the fact that We observe ton six one
1:14:57
eight in a roughly balanced state suggests. Self regulation the
1:15:03
quasar adjusts its own fuel supply, through feedback maintaining conditions
1:15:10
where it can shine brightly without either exhausting its gas
1:15:14
reservoir too quickly or. Growing uncontrollably the radio loud classification
1:15:20
indicates significant. Jet power only about ten percent of quasers
1:15:25
produce powerful. Radio jets the distinction correlates with black hole
1:15:30
spin and magnetic. Field configuration jets require strong magnetic fields
1:15:36
threading the accretion disc and. Event horizon as the black,
1:15:40
hole spins it drags these, fields around extracting rotational energy
1:15:46
and launch in plasma along the spin axis at. Relativistic
1:15:50
speeds ton six one eight jets punch through the accretion
1:15:56
disc and, continue outward eventually creating radio lobes millions of
1:16:02
light Years across these lobes aren't visible in current observations
1:16:06
Due to ton six one, eighth distance but they must
1:16:11
exist based on the. Radio spectrum the jets deposit energy
1:16:15
in the, intergalactic medium heating it and potentially triggering or suppressing.
1:16:21
Star formation in smaller galaxies. They encounter jet speeds approach
1:16:27
the speed. Of light particles accelerated to such velocities produce
1:16:32
synchrotron radiation emission from charged particles spiraling in. Magnetic fields
1:16:40
this produces the radio signature. We detect the total power
1:16:45
in the jets can be estimated from, radio luminosity typically
1:16:50
a few percent of the quaser's. Total Luminosity for ton six,
1:16:55
hundred eighteen jet power might reach ten to the power
1:16:59
of third thirty, nine watts, or more enough to power
1:17:02
a trillion sun's worth of energy output in. Mechanical form
1:17:06
the alignment between jets And the liman alpha nebula structure
1:17:11
suggests these outflows have been stable for millions. Of years
1:17:16
jets can, be intermittent turning on and off as accretion,
1:17:20
rates vary but producing the observed nebula structure requires sustained.
1:17:26
Jet activity the gas didn't just get blown. Away randomly
1:17:31
it was shaped and sculpted by persistent. Directed outflows this
1:17:36
stability implies a stable. Accretion geometry the accretion disc maintains
1:17:43
its orientation over. Long periods the black hole's spin axis
1:17:47
stays aligned with. A disc major disturbances like galaxy mergers
1:17:53
or sudden gas infoll from unusual directions would disrupt this
1:17:58
alignment and pertendly shut down the. Jets temporarily the fact
1:18:03
that we see stable Jets suggests ton six one eight
1:18:08
has had a relatively undisturbed, recent history at least on
1:18:13
timescales of millions. Of years the nebula's mass one hundred
1:18:18
billion solar, masses total exceeds the black hole's. Mass significantly
1:18:24
this gas represents the building material for future stars or
1:18:29
future black. Hole accretion if, conditions allow the nebula could
1:18:34
form thousands of massive star clusters over the next few. Billion,
1:18:39
years alternatively if the quaser, remains active it might gradually
1:18:45
consume much of. This material the fate depends on. Cooling
1:18:50
times hot gas must cool before it can collapse and.
1:18:56
Form stars cooling depends on deby density and temperature in the,
1:19:02
inner regions where the quasar's radiation keeps the gas ionized.
1:19:07
And hot cooling times exceed the age of, the universe
1:19:12
this gas won't form stars. Anytime soon in, outer regions
1:19:17
where radiation, is weaker cooling, times shorten star formation might,
1:19:23
proceed there building the stellar halo of the. Host galaxy
1:19:28
this process mirrors what we see in. Modern galaxies massive
1:19:33
elliptical galaxies contain old stellar populations with little ongoing. Star
1:19:37
formation their gas is hot, and diffuse kept that way
1:19:42
by past quasar activity and ongoing heating from. Old stars
1:19:47
the quasar phase ended billions of, years ago but its.
1:19:51
Effects persist ton six one eight shows us this process
1:19:57
in progress the moment when a quas is actively suppressing
1:20:01
star formation. Through Feedback the lyman alpha emission itself provides a.
1:20:07
Diagnostic tool this ultraviolet line occurs when electrons in hydrogen
1:20:12
atoms transition from the first excited state to the. Ground
1:20:17
state the photon energy corresponds to ten point two, electron
1:20:22
vaults placing it IN. The uv ton six one eight's
1:20:27
extreme luminosity PRODUCES copious uv radiation that ionizes the. Surrounding
1:20:34
hydrogen when, electrons recombine they cascade down through, energy Levels
1:20:39
producing lyman. Alpha photons the nebula glows brightly in this
1:20:45
line because the quasar provides the. Energy source turn off
1:20:49
the quasar and the nebula would fade on time scales
1:20:53
of thousands to millions, of years the time needed for
1:20:57
electrons to recombine And for lyman alpha photons to scatter
1:21:02
out of. The nebula the current brightness tells us the
1:21:06
quasar has been, active recently within the past few. Million years,
1:21:11
at most scattering. Matters here lyman alpha photons don't. Escape
1:21:18
directly they scatter off neutral hydrogen many times before. Finally
1:21:23
escaping this resonant scattering can trap photons for, extended periods
1:21:29
creating a diffuse glow around. The source the nebula's extended
1:21:35
structure partially results from this. Scattering process photons produced near
1:21:41
the quasar random walk outward, through scattering eventually emerging at.
1:21:47
Large distances the velocity structure of the nebula encodes. Its
1:21:52
history different regions show different velocities relative to. The quasar
1:21:59
some gas gas moves, toward us, some away some orbits the.
1:22:04
Black hole by mapping these velocities, using spectroscopy astronomers reconstruct
1:22:11
the three dimensional structure. And Dynamics the alma observations that
1:22:16
revealed the molecular gas component provided precisely this information velocity
1:22:23
maps showing how gas flows through. The system these observations
1:22:28
showed two. Distinct components the inner molecular outflow moves at
1:22:34
hundreds of kilometers, per second directly driven by the quaser's jets.
1:22:39
And radiation the extensive circumgalactic medium moves, more slowly representing
1:22:45
gas that's been affected by the quasar but not. Directly
1:22:49
expelled both components contain MOLECULAR hydrogen h two rather than just.
1:22:56
Atomic hydrogen this indicates sufficient densasnsity and shielding for molecules
1:23:01
to survive despite the intense. Radiation environment molecular gas is star.
1:23:08
Formation fuel under the, right conditions it collapses to. Form
1:23:12
stars the presence of one hundred billion solar masses of
1:23:17
molecular Gas around ton six one eight suggests enormous star,
1:23:22
Formation potential yet current observations show the gas remains. Mostly
1:23:27
diffuse why isn't it forming? Stars now turbulence provides. One
1:23:33
answer gas must be relatively calm to collapse under its.
1:23:37
Own gravity turbulence random motions on various scales provides support.
1:23:43
Against collapse similar to. Thermal pressure the jets and Outflows
1:23:48
from ton six one eight inject, turbulent energy stirring the
1:23:54
gas and. Preventing collapse only once the quasar shuts down
1:23:59
and turnmbulance dissipates can star formation. Proceed efficiently temperature offers.
1:24:05
Another factor molecular gas must cool to about ten kelvin to.
1:24:10
Form stars warmer gas has too much. Thermal pressure the
1:24:16
quasar's radiation heats the gas directly through photoionization and INDIRECTLY
1:24:22
through uv photons that dissociate molecules and free atoms that,
1:24:28
then recombine. Releasing heat this heating maintains temperatures too high for.
1:24:34
Star formation magnetic fields add. Additional complexity molecular gas contains
1:24:42
embedded magnetic fields that provide extra support against. Gravitational collapse
1:24:49
field strengths and geometries remain poorly constrained FOR t n six,
1:24:54
one eight but analogy with other systems suggests fields player
1:24:59
a set. Significant role turbulence can amplify fields through. Dynamo
1:25:05
action strong fields, resist compression further suppressing. Star formation all
1:25:13
these factors combine To keep ton six to one eight
1:25:16
nebula in a state of, suspended potential vast amounts of
1:25:20
gas capable of forming stars but prevented from doing so
1:25:25
by the quasar's. Ongoing activity this state won't. Last forever
1:25:31
eventually the gas supply, runs low, accretion slows the, quasar
1:25:37
dims and. Conditions shift then the nebula, can cool fragment
1:25:44
and form the next generation of stars that will comprise the.
1:25:49
Mature galaxy this suspended state represents a pivotal moment in.
1:25:54
Cosmic history we're witnessing the transition between violent quasar drips
1:26:00
an activity and the mature galaxy that will. Emerge afterward
1:26:04
other systems at lower redshifts show us snapshots of later
1:26:09
stages in. This process quasers, dimming, gas cooling star FORMATION
1:26:16
igniting tn six one eight catches the system at peak
1:26:22
activity maximum energy input before the inevitable. Decline begins how
1:26:29
long does this? Phase last quasers don't. Shine forever their
1:26:34
lifetimes depend on fuel supply and. Feeding efficiency for Systems
1:26:39
like ton six, one eight typical quasar lifetimes range from
1:26:43
tens to hundreds of millions, of years brief by, cosmic
1:26:48
standards but long enough to profoundly reshape. Their environments the
1:26:54
current bright phase might persist for another fifty million years
1:26:59
before fuel depletion forces the black hole. Into dormancy what
1:27:04
signals the transition from active. To dormant the accretion rate
1:27:09
provides the. Key metric as long as sufficient gas reaches the,
1:27:13
black hole the quaser. Continues shining once the, supply diminishes whether, through,
1:27:20
consumption expulsion or changes in the, galactic environment the accretion,
1:27:26
rate drops the, disk cools the, jets weaken the radiation.
1:27:32
Field dims this happens gradually over millions, of years. Not
1:27:38
suddenly during, this transition the nebula's fate. Becomes sealed without
1:27:44
the quasar's, energy input, turbulence dissipates, heating stops magnetic. Fields
1:27:51
decay the gas begins cooling, through radiation losing energy. To
1:27:56
space molecular hydrogen excels. At cooling its rotation and vibration
1:28:02
states efficiently radiate away. Thermal energy over several tens of millions,
1:28:08
of years temperatures drop from hundreds of kelvin to the
1:28:13
critical ten, kelvin threshold where gravitational collapse. Becomes inevitable once cooling,
1:28:20
proceeds sufficiently, fragmentation begins the once uniform nebula breaks. Into
1:28:26
clumps each clump contracts under its. Own gravity as, contraction continues,
1:28:32
densities rise triggering. Further, collapse eventually these fragments become dense
1:28:39
enough and hot enough at their cause to ignite. Nuclear
1:28:42
fusion stars. Are born the process transforms the diffuse nebula
1:28:49
into a, stellar population converting one hundred billion solar masses
1:28:54
of gas into perhaps ten to twenty. Billion stars this
1:28:59
star oh formation won't happen uniformly throughout. The nebula different
1:29:04
regions will form stars at different times. And rates the
1:29:09
densest regions, Collapse first the most turbulent regions. Resist collapse
1:29:15
longest regions with stronger magnetic fields form stars. More slowly
1:29:21
the result is, a complex extended period of star formation
1:29:26
lasting hundreds of millions. Of years what kind of galaxy
1:29:31
emerges from. This process the answer depends on, many factors
1:29:36
the nebula's, angular momentum its, density distribution the history of
1:29:41
mergers with. Other galaxies the massive black hole at the
1:29:45
center suggests a massive elliptical. Galaxy. Forms eventually ellipticals contain old,
1:29:52
stellar populations, little gas and limited ongoing star formation consistent
1:29:59
with the cism that consumed or expelled most of its
1:30:02
gas during an earlier. Active phase the host galaxy likely
1:30:07
already contains some older stars Formed before ton six one
1:30:12
eight became. A quasar these stars are invisible, to us
1:30:17
now outshone by the, quasar's brilliance but they exist orbiting the,
1:30:22
black hole contributing to the galaxy's. Total mass the nebula
1:30:27
will add to this, existing population creating multiple generations of
1:30:33
stars with different ages. And compositions can we see examples
1:30:38
of this process at. Later. Stages yes astronomers study post,
1:30:43
starburst galaxies systems that recently ceased forming stars after an.
1:30:48
Intense burst these objects show strong absorption lines from massive
1:30:54
stars that formed within the past, billion years but lack
1:30:58
the emission lines in dating ongoing. Star formation they Represent
1:31:04
what tons six hundred eighteen's host might look like a
1:31:08
few billion years. From now we also study massive elliptical
1:31:13
galaxies in the, nearby universe the descendants of systems LIKE
1:31:18
t n six. One eight these contain ancient, stellar populations
1:31:24
dormant super massive, black holes and. Little gas their star's
1:31:29
orbit in random directions rather than in, organized discs suggesting
1:31:34
formation through violent processes involving mergers. And Feedback The milky
1:31:41
WAY'S neighbour m eighty seven provides, an example a massive
1:31:45
elliptical with a five point four billion solar mass, black
1:31:50
hole now quiet after its quaser phase ended. Long ago
1:31:55
tons six one eight's nebula encodes the galaxy's future in its.
1:31:59
Present structure the total gas mass determines the final. Stellar
1:32:05
mass the velocity structure determines the. Galaxy's rotation the density
1:32:11
distribution determines where. Stars form reading this information requires detailed
1:32:18
observations that push current instruments to. Their limits the alignment
1:32:23
between the nebula and the radio jets reveals something crucial
1:32:28
about the. System's geometry jets emerge perpendicular to the accretion
1:32:34
disc following the black hole's. Spin axis the fact that
1:32:40
the molecular outflow and circumgalactic medium both align with this
1:32:44
axis indicates the jets have shaped the gas distribution on
1:32:49
scales from thousands to hundreds of thousands of. Light years
1:32:55
this shaping happens through. Momentum transfer jets carrying no enormous.
1:33:00
Kinetic energy when they collide with, surrounding gas they transfer
1:33:05
momentum pushing gas outward. And sideways the collision, creates shocks
1:33:12
abrupt increases in pressure and temperature that heat and compress.
1:33:17
The gas these shocks drive the, molecular outflow launching gas
1:33:23
at hundreds of kilometers per second away from the. Galaxy's
1:33:27
centre but jets do more than push. Gas around they
1:33:31
also inject energy throughout. The nebula high energy particles streaming
1:33:36
along the jets interact with surrounding matter through collisions and.
1:33:41
Electromagnetic interactions this heats the gas and generates radiation across.
1:33:48
The spectrum, the process called jet, driven heating helps maintain
1:33:54
the nebula's elevated temperature and prevents premature. Star formation magnetic
1:34:01
fields play a critical but poorly. Understood role the jets
1:34:06
themselves contain strong magnetic fields field lines wound up by
1:34:12
the rotating accretion disc and carried outward by. Flowing plasma
1:34:17
these fields extend into, the nebula threading through. The gas
1:34:23
field pressure provides additional support against. Gravitational collapse field tension
1:34:29
can accelerate gas perpendicular to. Field lines understanding the magnetic
1:34:35
field structure remains a major. Observational challenge different regions of
1:34:40
the nebula likely have different magnetic field strengths. And geometries near,
1:34:46
the jets fields are strong and, well organized aligned with the.
1:34:50
Jet direction farther out fields weaken and become more tangled due.
1:34:56
To turbulence in the densest clump fields may be compressed.
1:35:02
And amplified this complexity makes modeling the system. Extremely difficult
1:35:09
the circumgalactic medium represents the nebula's, outer, envelope gas extending
1:35:15
to hundreds of, kilo parsex but not directly expelled by jets.
1:35:19
Or winds this gas has a different origin than the.
1:35:23
Inner outflow it might be primordial material that never fell into.
1:35:28
The galaxy it might be gas expelled by earlier. Feedback
1:35:33
episodes it might be material tidily stripped from smaller galaxies
1:35:39
merging with. The host its presence indicates a complex history
1:35:43
of gas flows into and out of. The galaxy this
1:35:48
outer gas reservoir serves another function beyond future. Star formation
1:35:53
it regulates the. System's evolution as the quasar expels gas
1:35:59
from the, inner regions this outer reservoir can flow, back
1:36:03
inward potentially reigniting accretion and restarting. The quasar this creates
1:36:10
a feedback cycle where active and dormant phases alternate over
1:36:15
hundreds of millions. Of years where the ton six one
1:36:19
eight has experienced previous cycles. Remains unknown the mass budget provides.
1:36:25
Important constraints the black hole contains forty to sixty six billion,
1:36:31
solar masses depending on. The measurement the nebula contains one
1:36:36
hundred billion solar masses. Of gas the existing stellar population
1:36:42
likely contains several hundred billion, solar masses though we can't observe.
1:36:48
It directly the total baryonic mass in the system exceeds
1:36:53
five hundred billion, solar masses comparable to the most massive
1:36:57
galaxies in. Today's universe dark matter dominates the. Total mass
1:37:04
the galaxy sits within a dark matter halo containing perhaps
1:37:08
several trillion. Solar masses this dark matter provides the gravitational
1:37:14
potential well that holds the. System together, without it the
1:37:20
violent feedback from the quaser would have dispersed the. Nebula
1:37:24
entirely dark matter's gravity keeps everything bound despite the intense.
1:37:30
Radiation pressure the interplay between baryonic matter and dark matter
1:37:35
shapes the. Galaxy structure baryons cool and concentrate toward, the
1:37:41
center where they form stars and feed the. Black hole
1:37:45
dark matter remains distributed more broadly in a roughly. Spherical
1:37:49
halo the ratio between baryonic and dark matter mass in
1:37:54
the central regions exceeds the cosmic average because baryons have
1:37:59
concentrated things through, dissipative processes while dark. Matter cannot chemical
1:38:05
composition adds another layer. Of complexity the Gas in ton
1:38:10
six hundred eighteen's nebula isn't pure hydrogen. And helium it,
1:38:15
contains metals elements heavier than helium produced by. Stellar nucleosynthesis,
1:38:22
these metals though comprising only a small fraction, by mass
1:38:27
profoundly affect the. Gas's behavior they enhance cooling through, Emission
1:38:32
lines they, provide opacity affecting. Radiation transfer they eventually become
1:38:40
incorporated into planets. And life where do these metals? Come
1:38:45
from stars that formed earlier in the host galaxy or
1:38:50
in smaller galaxies that merged. With it these stars lived
1:38:55
their lives fused lighter elements into, heavier ones and expect
1:39:00
old material through stellar winds or supernova explosions that enriched
1:39:05
material mixed with, primordial gas raising. The metallicity the current
1:39:12
Metallicity in ton six hundred eighteen's nebula likely reaches twenty
1:39:16
to fifty percent of the, solar value not pristine but
1:39:21
not fully. Enriched either this intermediate metallicity tells us about the.
1:39:27
Galaxy's history it formed stars before becoming. A quasar those
1:39:32
stars produce the metals we, now observe but the majority
1:39:37
of star formation hasn't. Happened yet that awaits the. Nebula's
1:39:42
collapse after the quasar, shuts down the final stellar population
1:39:48
will have higher metallicity than the current nebula because ongoing
1:39:53
star formation will continue enriching the gas or the spatial
1:39:58
distribution of Metals within when the nebula likely, isn't uniform
1:40:03
regions closer to the black hole experienced more intense radiation,
1:40:08
and heating possibly affecting. Chemical processes regions where jets interact
1:40:14
with gas might show different compositions due to. Shock chemistry
1:40:21
mapping metallicity variations requires spectroscopic observations at, multiple positions observations
1:40:28
that challenge current. Instrumental capabilities dust adds. FURTHER complications a
1:40:35
small fraction of metals condenses into. Solid grains dust particles
1:40:40
typically smaller than. A micron these grains affect radiation transfer
1:40:46
by absorbing and. Scattering light they also catalyze molecule formation
1:40:52
by providing surfaces where atoms can meet. And bond the
1:40:56
amount and distribution of Dust in tons six hundred eighteen's
1:41:01
nebula remain, poorly constrained but certainly affect the. System's evolution
1:41:07
observing dust directly requires. Infrared observations dust absorbs ultraviolet and
1:41:14
optical light from, the quasar, heats up and re radiates in.
1:41:18
The infrared the resulting infrared emission provides information about, dust,
1:41:24
mass temperature and Distribution for ton six. One eight such
1:41:31
observations require space based. Infrared telescopes ground based instruments can't
1:41:38
access the relevant wavelengths due to. Atmospheric absorption future observations
1:41:44
will revolutionize. Our Understanding The James Web space telescope's infrared
1:41:50
capabilities can probe the dusty Regions around ton six. One
1:41:55
eight the extremely, large telescope once, oper rational will provide
1:42:01
unprecedented spatial resolution in optical and. Infrared light next generation
1:42:08
radio arrays will map molecular gas with. Exquisite detail these
1:42:13
facilities Will transform ton six' one eight from a distant
1:42:18
curiosity into a detailed laboratory for. Studying galaxy evolution what
1:42:24
Questions remain unanswered many we don't know the precise three
1:42:29
dimensional geometry. Of the nebula current observations provide projections, on
1:42:35
the sky but. Not depth information we don't know the
1:42:40
detailed velocity field throughout. The entire structure we don't know
1:42:44
how magnetic. Fields vary spatially we don't know. The metallicity
1:42:49
distribution we don't know. The dust content we don't know
1:42:54
whether the host galaxy has experienced. Previous active phases answering
1:43:00
these questions requires coordinated observing campaigns using multiple telescopes across.
1:43:06
The electromagnetic spectrum radio observations. Map molecular gas infrared observations
1:43:14
probe dust and. Obscured star formation optical observations. TRACE ionized
1:43:20
gas x ray observations reveal the hottest material near. The
1:43:25
black hole each wavelength provides complementary information about different. Components
1:43:31
and processes the challenge lies in combining these diverse observations
1:43:37
into a. Coherent physical model different observations sample, different, physical,
1:43:43
conditions temperatures. Densities ionization states connecting them requires detailed modeling, of,
1:43:52
radiative transfer. Chemistry and dynamics computational simulations help by predicting
1:44:00
what observations should show for, different model parameters allowing comparison between.
1:44:06
Theory and observation ton six one eight represents more than.
1:44:12
An individual object it's a window, into cosmic dawn showing
1:44:18
us galaxy. Formation in action by studying it and similar systems,
1:44:23
at high redshift we reconstruct the processes that. Built today's
1:44:28
galaxies we learn how black holes and. Galaxies co evolve
1:44:34
we understand how feedback. Regulates star formation we trace the
1:44:39
chemical enrichment. Of the universe each distant quasar adds another
1:44:43
piece to. This cosmic puzzle the broader implications extend. Beyond
1:44:48
individual systems ton six hundred eighteen's existence constrains theoretical models of.
1:44:55
The early universe how common we was such. Massive black
1:44:59
holes current surveys suggest ultramassive black holes are rare. But
1:45:05
not unique several candidates exist. With comparable masses their scarcity
1:45:12
indicate special conditions were needed. For their formation perhaps they
1:45:17
required unusually dense environments where gas. Could collapse rapidly perhaps
1:45:23
they formed from direct collapse scenarios rather. Than stalar remnants
1:45:29
perhaps they grew through exceptionally efficient accretion or. Rapid merger
1:45:34
sequences population. Studies matter here by cataloging all known ultramassive
1:45:40
black holes and analyzing, their properties statistically astronomers can infer
1:45:47
the conditions. That produce them do they preferentially appear in?
1:45:52
Certain cosmic environments do they show correlations with? Particular galaxy
1:45:58
types do their host galaxies? Share common characteristics these questions
1:46:06
guide searches for additional examples and inform simulations of. Early
1:46:11
structure formation the theoretical framework. Faces genuine challenges standard accretion models.
1:46:19
PREDICT growth timescales a stellar mass black hole of ten
1:46:24
solar masses Accreting at the eddington limit would require hundreds
1:46:29
of millions of years to reach a, million solar masses
1:46:33
reaching forty billion solar masses within. Three billion years the
1:46:39
Time available given ton six one eighths redshift pushes these models.
1:46:44
To Their limits super eddington accretion. Provides one solution if
1:46:50
black holes Temporarily exceeded the eddington limit during particularly, gas
1:46:54
rich phases they could grow faster than. Conventional models allow
1:47:00
another possibility involves massive seed black holes instead of starting
1:47:06
from stellar remnants of tens. Of solar masses perhaps some
1:47:11
black holes began with thousands or even millions. Of solar
1:47:15
masses direct collapse, scenarios propose that, under certain conditions massive
1:47:22
gas clouds could collapse directly into black holes without. Forming
1:47:27
stars first these scenarios require specific circumstances pristine gas lacking
1:47:35
metals that would enable, cooling and fragmentation intense radiation fields preventing,
1:47:41
normal star formation rapid infall preventing feedback from. Disrupting the
1:47:46
collapse whether such conditions existed in the early. Universe remains
1:47:51
debated merger driven growth offers. Yet another pathway if multiple
1:47:58
smaller black holes merged repeatedly in, dense galactic environments the
1:48:03
combined mass. Could grow rapidly each merger would release gravitational
1:48:08
waves and potentially kick the remnant black, hole through recoil
1:48:14
but in sufficiently massive, dark matter halos the black hole
1:48:18
would remain gravitationally bound and continue growing through subsequent. Mergers
1:48:24
and accretion numerical simulations, explore these scenarios calculating expected growth
1:48:31
rates and comparing them to observations The physics near ton
1:48:36
six one eight's event horizon. Defies everyday intuition, at one
1:48:42
thousand three, hundred astronomical Units the schwarz child radius exceeds
1:48:47
the size of our entire solar system Forty times over
1:48:52
light itself would take weeks to cross from one side.
1:48:55
To the other a beam of light traveling at three
1:48:58
hundred thousand, kilometers per second traversing a distance so vast
1:49:04
that our planetary system becomes. Insignificant by comparison matter approaching
1:49:10
this boundary experiences gravitational forces strong enough to tear apart
1:49:17
stars long before crossing. The event horizon tidal forces scale
1:49:23
inversely with black hole mass for equal distances. From, the
1:49:26
center paradoxically this means crossing the event horizon of an
1:49:32
ultra massive Black hole like ton six one eight would
1:49:36
be less violent than crossing into a stellar. Mass black hole,
1:49:41
the tidal gradient the difference in gravitational force across, an
1:49:45
object's extent decreases for. Larger black holes an Astronaut falling
1:49:50
into ton six one eight could theoretically cross the event horizon.
1:49:55
Without immediate spaghettification the fatal tidal forource would manifest closer
1:50:01
to the singularity deep within the. Event horizon's interior this
1:50:07
counterintuitive result highlights. General relativity subtleties the event horizon isn't.
1:50:13
A physical surface nothing marks. Its location locally an in
1:50:18
falling observer would notice nothing, special upon, crossing no, wall
1:50:24
no barrier. No sudden, change only later, attempting to escape
1:50:30
would they discover the impossibility. Of their situation all future directed.
1:50:36
Paths lead inward no amount of thrust. Could reverse course
1:50:43
the event horizon represents a one way membrane in. Space
1:50:47
time itself hawking radiation. Introduces quantum effects even black holes
1:50:54
emit thermal radiation due to quantum fluctuations near. The event
1:50:58
horizon the temperature depends. Inversely on mass stellar mass black
1:51:04
holes have temperatures of millionths of a kelvin ton six
1:51:10
one eight temperature would be proportionally lower trillionths, of a
1:51:15
kelvin far colder than the. Cosmic microwave background such black
1:51:19
holes gain mass from background radiation faster than they Lose mass.
1:51:24
To hawking radiation they grow. Rather than evaporate only in,
1:51:31
the distant future after stars cease forming and the universe
1:51:35
cools below Even the, minuscule hawking temperature would ultra massive black.
1:51:41
Holes begin evaporating the time scale for complete evaporation scales
1:51:47
as the cube of the mass for ton, Six hundred
1:51:51
eighteen this exceeds ten to the one, hundredth power years
1:51:56
a number so large it dwarfs the current age. Of
1:51:59
the unit, by unimaginable factors the black hole would outlast,
1:52:05
not just stars but the very concept of conventional time in.
1:52:09
Any recognizable sense the information. Paradox lurks here what happens
1:52:16
to information that falls into? A black hole does it
1:52:20
disappear violating quantum? Mechanics unitarity principle does it Somehow escape?
1:52:27
Through hawking radiation does it remain encoded on. The event
1:52:31
horizon these questions remain unresolved despite decades of THEORETICAL work
1:52:40
to n. Six one eight like, all black holes embodies
1:52:45
this fundamental tension between general relativity, and quantum, mechanics string
1:52:51
theory and other. Quantum gravity. Approaches proposed solutions perhaps black holes,
1:52:57
aren't truly black but rather fuzzballs quantum objects. Without event
1:53:03
horizons perhaps the interior connects to other universes through. Wormhole
1:53:09
like structures perhaps information is preserved, through holographic principles where
1:53:15
the event horizons surface encodes. The volume's information none of
1:53:20
these ideas, have achieved consensus and experimental tests remain far.
1:53:26
Beyond current capabilities Gravitational waves from ton six hundred eighteen's
1:53:31
formation and growth Might carry information when, black holes merge
1:53:37
they produce gravitational waves ripples in, space time itself propagating.
1:53:42
At light Speed detectors Like ligo and virgo observe mergers
1:53:48
as stellar. Mass black holes future space Based detectors like
1:53:53
lisa will access lower frequencies corresponding to supermassive. Black hole
1:53:59
mergers detecting gravitational waves from ultramassive black hole mergers would
1:54:06
require even, more ambitious instruments but the scientific payoff. Would
1:54:11
be enormous such detections would reveal, black, hole spins masses
1:54:17
and orbital parameters with precision impossible. Through electromagnetic observations they
1:54:24
would test general relativity in the strong field regime where
1:54:28
spacetime curvature. Reaches extreme values they would provide independent mass
1:54:34
measurements to compare. With spectroscopic estimates they would probe the
1:54:40
merger history of massive galaxies. Across cosmic time the challenge
1:54:46
lies in. The time scales gravitational wave signals from ultramassive
1:54:51
black holes have periods of. Days to years detecting them
1:54:57
requires continuous monitoring over, its extended periods correlating data from
1:55:03
multiple spacecraft to. Achieve sufficient sensitivity the signals. Would be
1:55:09
weak even the most massive mergers produce only tiny strains
1:55:13
in space time by the time, waves reach us but
1:55:17
the scientific returns justify. The technological investment ton six one
1:55:24
eight jets. Deserve closer examination radio observations reveal powerful outflows
1:55:30
carrying enormous energy into. The surrounding medium the jet launching
1:55:36
mechanism involves complex magnetohydrodynamics near. The event horizon magnetic fields
1:55:43
threading the accretion disc become twisted and amplified. By differential
1:55:48
rotation the fields extract rotational energy from the black hole
1:55:53
Itself through the, blandford's nagic process channeling it. Into collimated
1:55:59
outflows traveling at, Near light speeds these relativistic jets interact,
1:56:05
with ambient gas creating shock. Waves and turbulence they inflate
1:56:11
enormous radio emitting bubbles visible in. Low frequency observations they
1:56:17
deposit energy, across vast regions heating gas and preventing. It
1:56:22
from cooling. And forming stars this feedback mechanism helps explain
1:56:28
why the most massive galaxies today contain relatively little cold
1:56:32
gas despite. Their enormous masses their central black holes expelled
1:56:37
or heated the gas during. Previous Active phases for ton,
1:56:42
six hundred eighteen the jets Align with the lyman alpha.
1:56:47
Nebula's major axis this. Alignment isn't coincidental the jets shape
1:56:54
gas distribution by pushing material perpendicular to. Their propagation direction
1:57:01
gas swept into the jet's, path, gets accelerated. Heated or
1:57:06
dispersed gas lying perpendicular to the jets experiences, less direct
1:57:12
interaction allowing it to accumulate into the. Observed nebula structures
1:57:18
the jet power, must be substantial perhaps ten to the
1:57:22
power of forty six, ergs per second equivalent to the
1:57:26
luminosity of. A trillion suns magnetic fields throughout the system.
1:57:31
Remain poorly constrained theory predicts strong fields near the black
1:57:36
hole where. They drive jets fields in the, accretion, disk
1:57:41
channel plasma and affect angular momentum transport fields in the
1:57:46
nebula might influence gas dynamics, and star formation but observing
1:57:53
these fields. Directly proves difficult polarization measurements provide indirect evidence
1:58:00
showing that radiation has interacted. With magnetic fields future radiopolarimetry
1:58:07
could map field. Structures in detail the host galaxy's stellar population,
1:58:12
remains essentially invisible overwhelmed. By the quasars brilliance estimates suggest
1:58:19
it likely contains hundreds of, billions of stars based on
1:58:24
the black hole galaxy mass relationship observed. In nearby, systems
1:58:30
THIS Relationship the, m sigma relation correlates black hole mass
1:58:36
with the velocity dispersion of stars in. The galactic Bulge
1:58:42
extrapolating to ton six one eight suggests a galaxy mass
1:58:48
exceeding a. Trillion solar masses such a galaxy would rank
1:58:52
among the most. Massive ever formed its dark matter halo would,
1:58:57
be correspondingly enormous perhaps containing ten trillion solar. Masses or
1:59:03
more the halo provides the gravitational well within, which gas
1:59:07
accumulates galaxies merge. And structure grows understanding the halo's properties requires.
1:59:16
Gravitational lensing observations if a background galaxy Fortuitously aligns with ton,
1:59:23
six one eight its light would be, bent and magnified
1:59:27
revealing the. Foreground mass distribution such, alignments are rare. But
1:59:33
not impossible the cosmic. Web context matters large scale structure
1:59:39
simulations show that the most massive halos form at the.
1:59:44
Intersections of filaments the nodes where cosmic structure IS densest
1:59:50
to n six one eight likely occupies such a node
1:59:54
positioned where. Multiple filaments meet gas flowing along filaments converges,
2:00:00
at these locations providing abundant fuel for black hole growth.
2:00:06
And star formation the system's environment probably included, numerous companion
2:00:12
galaxies some of which may have merged with the. Host
2:00:15
over time simulations help interpret observations by predicting what structures
2:00:21
should look like. Under different assumptions cosmological simulations follow the
2:00:27
evolution of dark matter from early density fluctuations to. Present
2:00:32
day structures, adding gas, physics star formation and black hole
2:00:38
feedback allows comparison. With observed galaxies the simulations that best
2:00:45
match observations constrain physical processes. And parameter values refining our
2:00:52
understanding of. How galaxies form ton six hundred eighteen provides
2:00:57
a particularly stringent test. Its extreme properties, ultramassive black, hole
2:01:04
enormous nebula powerful jets must all emerge naturally from physical
2:01:09
processes operating in. The early universe Simulations that produce ton
2:01:15
six one eight like systems reveal which conditions and. Mechanisms
2:01:20
were necessary they guide observers toward key measurements that would distinguish.
2:01:26
Between competing models they suggest what future telescopes should look
2:01:31
for when studying similar. High redshift quasers future telescopes will.
2:01:36
Transform Our Understanding The James, web space, telescope already operational
2:01:44
can detect Infrared light from ton six one, eight's host
2:01:48
galaxy piercing through dust that. Obscures optical observations web sensitivity
2:01:54
allows imaging of structures near the quasa that, were previously
2:01:58
invisible potentially revealing, star formation, regions galactic morphology. And companion
2:02:06
objects the, extremely large telescope scheduled for completion in the,
2:02:12
late twenty twenties will provide unprecedented angular resolution. From the
2:02:18
ground its thirty nine metre mirror will resolve features ten
2:02:23
times smaller than current, telescopes can achieve possibly distinguishing Different
2:02:29
regions within ton six one eighths accretion disc or detecting
2:02:35
individual star clusters in. The host galaxy square kilometer array
2:02:41
radio observations will map the jets and magnetic fields. With
2:02:46
exquisite detail this instrument's collecting area equivalent to a square kilometer,
2:02:53
of radio antennas will detect faint emissions from outflows and
2:02:58
trace gas dynamics. Throughout the system combined with alma's, MOLECULAR
2:03:04
line observations ska data will reveal how jets shape the
2:03:09
circumgalactic medium and regulate star formation across hundreds of thousands.
2:03:15
OF light years x Ray observatories like athena planned for
2:03:20
the twenty thirties will probe the high Energy physics near
2:03:24
ton six one. EIGHTS event horizon x rays trace the
2:03:29
hottest gas in the accretion disks inner regions where temperatures reach.
2:03:35
Millions of degrees SPECTROSCOPY of these x rays, reveals chemical,
2:03:40
abundances ionization, states and velocities constraining accretion physics and testing
2:03:47
general relativity in. Extreme gravitational FIELDS time resolved x ray
2:03:53
observations could detect variability caused by orbiting hotspots or. Magnetic
2:03:59
reconnection events gravitational wave detectors Might eventually sense ton six.
2:04:05
One eight's influence CURRENT detectors like ligo and virgo aren't
2:04:11
sensitive enough to detect gravitational waves from individual, supermassive black
2:04:17
holes but future space based DETECTORS concepts like lisa will
2:04:23
observe lower frequency waves produced by merging. Supermassive Black holes
2:04:29
if ton six one eight's black hole, formed through mergers as,
2:04:34
some theories suggest similar events occurring today would. Generate detectable
2:04:39
signals these observations would reveal, black, hole spins masses and.
2:04:45
Merger histories directly multi messenger astronomy combines electromagnetic observations with gravitational.
2:04:52
Waves And neutrinos if ton six one eight jets accelerate
2:04:59
part of to, ultra high energies neutrino detectors might register
2:05:04
signals from nuclear interactions in. The jet plasma neutrinos travel,
2:05:10
unimpeded through space arriving simultaneously with photons from, the same
2:05:15
event despite. Traversing different paths Detecting neutrinos from ton six
2:05:22
one eight would confirm hadronic acceleration mechanisms and. Constrain jet
2:05:28
composition statistical studies of similar. Objects provide context ton six one.
2:05:36
Eight isn't unique it's the most massive example of a
2:05:40
population surveys identifying hundreds of high redshift quasers enable statistical analyzes,
2:05:47
of their properties. Clustering and evolution the distribution of, black hole,
2:05:53
masses accretion rates and host galaxy properties reveals patterns that individual.
2:05:59
Objects Can't show comparing ton six hundred eighteen to its
2:06:05
peers highlights what makes it exceptional and what characteristics are
2:06:10
typical for. Ultra massive systems quasar luminosity functions track the
2:06:16
number density of quasars at different. Luminosities and redshifts these
2:06:22
functions show that luminous quasars were more common in, the
2:06:26
early universe peaking around redshift two to three when the
2:06:30
universe was two to three. Billion years old ton six
2:06:36
one eight at redshift two point two formed during. This
2:06:40
peak epoch the decline in quaser activity at later times
2:06:45
suggests that black hole growth rates decreased as gas supplies
2:06:50
dwindled and feedback mechanisms became more effective. At regulating accretion
2:06:56
clustering analyzes measure how quasers are distributed in space relative
2:07:01
to the. Large scale structure quasers occupy the most massive,
2:07:06
dark matter halos clustered in over dense regions where galaxy formation.
2:07:11
Is most active ton six hundred eighteen's position within, the
2:07:17
cosmic web determines its environment and. Influences its evolution if
2:07:22
located at, a filament intersection it would have access to
2:07:26
copious gas supplies flowing. Along multiple filaments if isolated in,
2:07:32
a massive halo its fuel supply would depend more on
2:07:36
internal processes. Like galaxy mergers chemical evolution studies trace element abundances.
2:07:44
Through cosmic history early generation stars produce, light, elements, Carbon
2:07:50
oxygen nitrogen later generation synthesized, heavier, elements. Iron silicon magnesium
2:07:58
the spectrum of ton n six one eight s broad
2:08:01
line region show strong emission, lines, from carbon, nitrogen and
2:08:06
oxygen indicating that significant stellar nucleosynthesis had already occurred by
2:08:12
the time. The quasar formed the gas fueling the black
2:08:16
hole had been enriched by previous, generations of stars constraining
2:08:22
the timeline of star formation in. The host galaxy metallicity
2:08:26
measurements quantify these abundances. Relative to hydrogen solar metallicity refers
2:08:34
to the chemical Composition. Of our sun about two per
2:08:38
cent of its mass consists of elements. Heavier than helium
2:08:43
measurements of ton six hundred eighteen s broad line region
2:08:47
suggest metallicities approaching or, exceeding solar values implying substantial. Prior
2:08:53
star formation this enrichment occurred within the first billion years of,
2:08:58
the galaxy's existence requiring rapid star formation rates and efficient
2:09:04
mixing of stellar rejector throughout. The interstellar medium dust observations.
2:09:10
Provide additional constraints dust grains form when heavy elements condense
2:09:16
in the cool outflows. From dying stars infrared observations detect
2:09:22
thermal emission from dust heated by starlight. Or quasar radiation
2:09:28
the infrared luminosity indicates the dust, mass and temperature revealing
2:09:33
the star formation history and the balance between dust. Production
2:09:38
And destruction for ton, six one eight infrared observations show
2:09:45
substantial dust consistent with, vigorous star formation either currently ongoing
2:09:51
or in. The Recent past star formation rates in the
2:09:55
host galaxy remain uncertain due to contamination. From quasar lfe
2:10:01
typical estimates for luminous quasars at similar redshifts suggest rates
2:10:06
of hundreds to thousands of solar. Masses Per year if
2:10:11
ton six one eights host galaxy form stars, at this
2:10:14
pace it would build a stellar mass exceeding a trillion
2:10:18
solar masses within. A billion years consistent with the implied
2:10:23
galaxy mass from the black. Hole galaxy correlation such rapid
2:10:27
star formation requires enormous gas reservoirs and efficient conversion of.
2:10:32
Gas into stars stellar initial mass. Function affects predictions this
2:10:39
function describes the relative numbers of stars formed. AT different
2:10:43
MASSES a standard imf produces mostly low mass stars with.
2:10:49
Fewer massive stars alternative IMFs with more massive stars would
2:10:54
yield different, chemical, enrichment patterns luminosities. And feedback effects observations
2:11:01
of stellar populations in distant galaxies SUGGEST that the imf
2:11:06
may vary with, redshift or environment complicating interpretations of star
2:11:12
formation rates. And chemical evolution supernova feedback influences both star
2:11:18
formation and. Black hole growth massive stars explode as supernovae
2:11:24
after only a, few million years injecting energy and momentum.
2:11:28
Into surrounding gas this feedback heats, and disperses gas potentially suppressing.
2:11:34
Subsequent star formation, in dense environments supernova might trigger star
2:11:41
formation by compressing. Nearby gas clouds the balance between suppression
2:11:47
and triggering determines the overall star formation efficiency and the
2:11:52
time scale over which galaxies build. Their stellar populations active
2:11:58
galactic nucleus pias feedback operates. On, larger, scales, radiation pressure
2:12:04
jets and winds driven by the central black hole affect
2:12:09
the entire galaxy and. Its circumgalactic medium this feedback can
2:12:14
quench star formation by heating, or expelling gas explaining why
2:12:20
the most massive galaxies observed today have relatively low star
2:12:24
formation rates despite their. Large gas reservoirs ton six one
2:12:29
eighth's powerful feedback likely regulate star formation, in its host
2:12:35
potentially transitioning the galaxy from an active star forming phase
2:12:40
to a. Quiescent passive phase observations of other massive galaxies
2:12:47
suggest this transition occurred in the past. Several billion years
2:12:52
massive elliptical galaxies in the nearby universe contain old stellar
2:12:57
populations with little. Ongoing star formation these galaxies likely experienced
2:13:04
intense starburst phases, at high redshift then quenched due to
2:13:09
agn feedback or exhaustion. Of gas supplies ton six one
2:13:16
eight may represent an earlier stage in, this evolutionary sequence
2:13:21
captured during the peak of both black hole growth, and
2:13:24
star formation before feedback mechanisms shut. Down both processes merger.
2:13:30
Histories affect structure hierarchical structure formation predicts that massive galaxies
2:13:36
assembled through numerous mergers. Of smaller galaxies each merger brings
2:13:41
gas that can fuel starbursts and. Black hole accretion the
2:13:45
stellar populations formed during different merger events have distinct, ages
2:13:50
and metallicities creating complex distributions that Observations CAN potentially disentanglen
2:14:00
n six one eight's host likely experienced, multiple major mergers
2:14:05
each contributing to its current mass and triggering episodes. Of
2:14:10
quaser activity dynamical modeling. Reconstructs these histories simulations that reproduce
2:14:17
observed properties reveal. Plausible Formation pathways for ton, six hundred
2:14:22
eighteen models must explain how the black hole grew so
2:14:27
massive so quickly while simultaneously building the host. Galaxy's stellar
2:14:32
population successful models typically invoke either continuous rapid accretion from
2:14:39
dense gas streams or episodic bursts of accretion. Triggered by
2:14:44
mergers both scenarios require specific initial conditions and environmental factors that,
2:14:52
may be rare explaining why ultra massive Black holes like
2:14:57
ton six hundred. Eighteen are uncommon observational biases. Affect discovery
2:15:03
rates luminous quasers are easier to detect, than faint ones
2:15:08
so surveys naturally find, the brightest examples like to n.
2:15:13
Six one eight fainter quasers with smaller black holes might
2:15:17
outnumber the ultra massive ones but remain undetected due to.
2:15:22
Instrumental sensitivity limits correcting for these biases requires careful statistical
2:15:29
analysis of, survey selection functions allowing astronomers to infer the
2:15:35
true number density of black holes. At different masses variability
2:15:40
studies track changes over time quasers vary in brightness due
2:15:45
to fluctuations in accretion rate or. Changes In obscuration monitoring
2:15:51
ton six one eight over months or years could reveal
2:15:56
variability patterns that constrain the accretion disc. Side and structure
2:16:01
shorter timescale variations probe smaller spatial regions closer to, the
2:16:06
black hole while longer term trends reflect changes in the
2:16:10
overall fuel supply. Or feedback processes spectroscopic monitoring detects changes in.
2:16:18
Emission line profiles if the broad line, regions structure evolves
2:16:23
line widths and. Intensities shift accordingly reverberation mapping exploits these
2:16:31
changes to measure the region's size by timing the delay
2:16:35
between continuum variations and Line response for ton. Six hundred
2:16:41
eighteen such measurements would refine black hole mass estimates and
2:16:46
test whether the broad line region's properties differ from those in.
2:16:50
Less extreme systems polarization measurements reveal magnetic field geometries. And
2:16:57
scattering processes light from the accretion disc becomes polarized through
2:17:04
scattering off electrons or alignment of dust grains. By magnetic
2:17:08
fields the degree and direction of polarization in code information, about,
2:17:15
field strength orientation and the distribution. Of Scattering material for ton,
2:17:24
six one eight polarization data, would constrain, jet magnetic fields and.
2:17:30
Accretion disc structure complementing spectroscopic, and photometric observations the broader.
2:17:38
Cosmological context matters ton six one eight formed during an
2:17:44
epoch when the universe's structure. Was rapidly evolving the cosmic
2:17:48
star formation rate peaked, around redshift two then declined as
2:17:53
gas was consumed and feedback mechanisms. Became more efficient understanding
2:17:59
why this transransition occurred requires Studying objects like ton six
2:18:04
one eight that exemplify. The peak phase their properties constrain models,
2:18:11
of gas, accretion star formation and feedback that. Govern galaxy
2:18:16
evolution dark energy's influence becomes relevant on. The largest scales
2:18:22
the accelerated expansion of the universe affects structure growth by.
2:18:26
Counteracting gravitational collapse in, the distant future dark energy will
2:18:32
prevent new structures from forming and eventually tear apart. Gravitationally
2:18:37
bound Systems but during ton six, one eight's epoch dark energy's,
2:18:45
effects were minimal allowing structures to grow rapidly. Through gravitational
2:18:50
instability the current dominance of dark energy marks a transition point,
2:18:56
in cosmic history after which structure. Formation slows dramatically ton
2:19:03
six hundred eighteen offers a window into processes that. Shaped
2:19:08
the universe its extreme properties ultra, massive black, hole intense,
2:19:13
luminosity enormous nebula powerful jets reflect conditions in the early
2:19:20
universe that. No longer prevail studying this system reveals how
2:19:25
galaxies formed, from primordial gas how black holes grew to,
2:19:30
dominate galactic centers and how feedback regulated the transformation from
2:19:36
actively star forming systems. To passive ellipticals every observation adds
2:19:43
another piece to. This cosmic puzzle the system's fate remains
2:19:48
uncertain over. Cosmic time scales will the black hole continue,
2:19:53
growing through mergers eventually exceeding. Theoretical mass limits will feed
2:19:59
back mechanisms shut, down accretion permanently leaving. A quiescent remnant
2:20:06
will the host galaxy, merge with neighbours triggering new? Episodes
2:20:11
of activity these questions await answers that observations overcoming Decades
2:20:17
will provide what we know today represents a beginning to
2:20:23
n six' one eight challenges our understanding and pushes theoretical.
2:20:28
Models to their limits it exemplifies the, universe's capacity for,
2:20:33
extremes objects, so massive, so luminous so energetic that they redefine.
2:20:41
What we consider possible in, studying this cosmic giant we
2:20:46
confront fundamental questions about growth limits and the processes that
2:20:51
govern the. Larger structures in existence, the numbers don't lie
2:20:56
but they don't. Quite capture it either You now know
2:21:00
that ton six hundred eighteen's event, horizon spans two thousand.
2:21:04
Six hundred astronomical units you understand that light takes weeks.
2:21:09
To cross its shadow you've grasped that it outmasses every star.
2:21:15
In our galaxy combined but knowing these facts and truly
2:21:19
comprehending them. Remain different things entirely your brain isn't. Wired
2:21:24
for this scale evolution shaped your intuitions for, objects measured
2:21:29
in meters, distances covered in hours, masses you can lift or.
2:21:34
At least imagine lifting ton six hundred eighteen exists so
2:21:40
far outside, this comfortable range that even armed with precise,
2:21:45
measurements and careful comparisons you. Can't really picture it the
2:21:51
best you can do is understand the relationships how it
2:21:56
compares to, things slightly less incomprehensible building a ladder of
2:22:01
analogies that points to ward but never. Quite reaches The
2:22:06
truth what makes ton six hundred eighteen genuinely remarkable. Isn't
2:22:11
just its size plenty of things in. The universe are
2:22:15
large galaxy clusters span, Millions of light years cosmic voids stretch.
2:22:22
Across hundreds of millions the observable universe itself measures ninety three.
2:22:29
Billion light years across size alone. Doesn't make something special the.
2:22:34
Remarkable aspect is concentration sixty six billion solar masses packed
2:22:40
into a region you could traverse at light speed. In
2:22:43
a few weeks that concentration creates gravitational fields so intense
2:22:49
they warp space time into shapes that. Break your intuitive
2:22:52
understanding it creates energy densities that shouldn't exist according. To
2:22:58
some theoretical limits it produces feedback effects that reshape entire
2:23:04
galaxies across hundreds of. Thousands of light years ton six
2:23:10
one eight represents physics operating at the. Edge Of what's
2:23:14
possible black holes can't grow arbitrarily large through accretion radiation pressure.
2:23:21
Eventually prevents further growth theoretical calculations put this limit around
2:23:28
fifty billion solar masses for, non spinning black holes potentially higher.
2:23:34
For rapidly spinning ones ton six one eight sits, right
2:23:39
at this boundary possibly already at its. Maximum accretion based mass,
2:23:44
it's not just big it's as big as a black
2:23:47
hole can get through. The standard growth mechanism the. Timeline
2:23:51
makes it worse this object assembled its mass within three
2:23:56
Billion Years. Of the big bang standard growth models. Struggle
2:24:01
to explain this you can't simply start with a stellar
2:24:05
mass black hole and grow it to sixty six billion
2:24:09
solar masses in that time. Frame using conventional accretion. The
2:24:14
math doesn't work. Something unusual happened either the seed black
2:24:21
hole started much more massive than, stellar remnants typically provide
2:24:26
or accretion preceded faster, than theoretical limits suggest or multiple
2:24:32
massive black holes, merged in rapid succession or. All three
2:24:37
occurred simultaneously we don't know. Which explanation is. Correct each
2:24:42
has problems direct collapse scenarios require special conditions that may.
2:24:49
Not Have been common super eddington. Accretion faces stability issues
2:24:55
rapid merger. Sequences Seem statistically unlikely yet ton six,' one
2:25:01
eight exists anyway. Indifferent to our theoretical difficulties the surrounding
2:25:08
nebula adds, another layer to this puzzle one hundred billion
2:25:12
solar masses of gas extending three hundred thirty Thousand Light years.
2:25:18
Twice the milky way's diameter this, isn't just decoration its
2:25:24
fuel it's the raw material for future star formation. Or
2:25:29
continued black, hole growth the nebula structure aligned with the
2:25:34
radio jets shows how the black hole has already shaped.
2:25:39
Its environment on galactic scales radiation, and outflows have redistributed,
2:25:45
gas heated it ionized it preventing it from. Cooling and
2:25:50
collapsing into stars this feedback mechanism explains why massive galaxies today,
2:25:57
contain relatively little cold, gas despite their enormous masses their
2:26:03
central black holes expelled or heated most of. It during
2:26:07
earlier active phases ton six one eight shows, us this
2:26:12
process in action the moment when a quasar is actively
2:26:17
regulating its own fuel supply and suppressing star. Formation throughout
2:26:22
its host galaxy, eventually the fuel, runs out the quasar
2:26:26
dims and the heated gas cools over hundreds of millions
2:26:30
of years before forming. The next generation of stars that
2:26:35
future state represents what astronomers call, a red and dead
2:26:39
galaxy massive elliptical containing old stellar populations. With little ongoing
2:26:46
star formation our observations suggest most massive ellipticals in the
2:26:52
nearby universe went through quasar. Phases BILLIONS of years ago
2:26:56
to n six one eight provides a, window into that
2:27:00
earlier epoch showing us what these systems look. Like during
2:27:05
their violent. Youth the jets deserve emphasis streams of plasma
2:27:12
accelerated to ninety nine, point nine percent light speed carrying
2:27:17
power equivalent to a trillion suns extending across hundreds. Of
2:27:22
thousands of light, years these aren't side effects they're integral
2:27:27
to how supermassive. Black holes influence their environments the jets inject,
2:27:33
energy throughout the circumgalactic medium heating gas and maintaining it
2:27:38
at temperatures. Too high for star formation they shape the
2:27:42
distribution of gas on scales far larger than the accretion
2:27:46
disk or. Even the host galaxy itself magnetic fields, thread
2:27:52
through the entire system though. We can't observe them directly
2:27:58
theory predicts strong, feels near the event horizon where they
2:28:02
extract rotational energy from the spinning black hole and. Channel
2:28:07
it into the jets fields in the accretion disk. Affect
2:28:13
how matter spirals inward fields in the nebula might influence gas.
2:28:19
Dynamics and future star formation understanding these fields requires polarization
2:28:26
measurements and radio observations that push. Current instruments to their
2:28:32
limits the, host galaxy remains essentially invisible, outshone by the
2:28:37
central quasar despite potentially containing. Hundreds of billions of stars
2:28:43
we can infer its properties from the black hole galaxy mass,
2:28:47
relationship observed in nearby systems but. We can't observe IT
2:28:52
directly future Telescopes Like Jwst or the extremely large, telescope
2:28:59
might evently, resolve details but for now the galaxy is
2:29:04
lost in the glare. Of the accretion discs brilliance this
2:29:08
creates an odd situation where we know, more about the
2:29:12
black hole an, object we can't see directly than, about
2:29:16
the galaxy surrounding it which should. Be far easier to
2:29:21
observe the black hole's mass comes from measuring velocities of
2:29:26
orbiting gas. In the broad line region the, galaxy's stellar
2:29:30
population remains hidden revealed only through gravitational effects and. Statistical
2:29:36
relationships with other systems discovery histories often. Reveal something about
2:29:43
scientific progress ton six' one eight was, photographed in nineteen
2:29:48
fifty seven catalogued, as a mysterious violet object then sat
2:29:54
in records for thirteen years before. Anyone realized what it
2:29:59
was after quasars were recognized as a distinct class of,
2:30:03
objects in nineteen sixty three and after radio observations flagged
2:30:08
it as unusual in nineteen seventy did. Spectroscopy reveal its
2:30:12
true nature we observed. It decades before understanding it. This
2:30:19
pattern repeats, throughout astronomy, we detect, signals catalog objects, take
2:30:25
images and, only later sometimes much later. Do we grasp
2:30:30
their significance the delay reflects both. Technological limitations and conceptual
2:30:36
ones sometimes we lack instruments sensitive. Enough to observe crucial
2:30:42
details sometimes we lack the theoretical framework. To interpret what we're
2:30:48
seeing progress requires both, better observations and better theories. Each
2:30:54
In forming the, other, for ton six one. Eight key
2:30:59
questions remain unanswered we don't know. Its precise three dimensional
2:31:04
structure observations, provide projections on the. Sky but not depth
2:31:09
information we don't know the detailed. Velocity field throughout the
2:31:14
nebula we don't know. How magnetic fields vary spatially we
2:31:20
don't know the. Metallicity distribution in different regions we don't
2:31:25
know whether previous active phases occurred. Before the one we
2:31:29
observe future observations will. Address SOME of these gaps j
2:31:35
wst can probe dusty. Regions invisible at optical wavelengths the
2:31:41
extremely large telescope will resolve structures ten times. Smaller than
2:31:46
current observations achieve the square kilometer array will map molecular
2:31:52
gas and. Magnetic fields with unprecedented detail gravitational wave detectors
2:31:59
might eventually sense mergers, involving similarly massive black holes revealing.
2:32:04
Formation pathways and growth histories but some. Questions may Remain
2:32:10
permanently unanswerable we observed ton six hundred eighteen as it
2:32:16
was ten. Point eight billion years ago the light we
2:32:21
see has been traveling since the universe was. Only three
2:32:25
billion years old we have no information. About what's happened
2:32:29
since then the system has evolved for ten point eight
2:32:34
billion years. In ways we can't observe the, quasar might
2:32:39
still be active or it might have shut. Down billions
2:32:43
of years ago the, nebula might have formed stars. Or
2:32:47
it might remain. Diffuse we simply don't know this limitation applies.
2:32:53
To all high redshift observations we see distant objects, as
2:32:58
they were long ago frozen in time at. Whatever epoch
2:33:02
their light departed, the universe has continued evolving but that,
2:33:07
evolution remains hidden from us blocked by. The finite speed
2:33:12
of light only by observing many similar systems at different
2:33:17
redshifts can, we reconstruct the evolutionary sequence piecing together cosmic history.
2:33:24
From snapshots at different epochs ton six hundred eighteen occupies a.
2:33:29
Crucial position in that sequence it formed during, the peak
2:33:34
of quaser activity when black hole growth rates and star
2:33:38
formation rates. Both reached their cosmic maxima understanding this epoch
2:33:44
reveals how galaxies transitioned from gas rich actively forming systems.
2:33:50
To gas pore passive ones it shows us when and
2:33:54
how feedback mechanisms. Became effective at regulating growth it constrains
2:34:01
models of cosmic evolution that predict the properties. Of galaxies
2:34:05
we observe today the broader. Implications extend beyond individual objects
2:34:11
Ultra massive black holes like ton six hundred eighteen provide
2:34:16
tests of. Fundamental physics in extreme conditions general relativity predicts
2:34:22
how space time should, curve near such massive objects but
2:34:26
we've never tested those. Predictions in regimes this extreme the
2:34:30
event horizon, should behave in specific ways tidal, forces should
2:34:35
follow predictable patterns time. Dilation should match theoretical calculations confirming
2:34:43
these predictions. Validates our understanding, of gravity where it matters.
2:34:47
Most quantum effects remain mysterious hawking radiation suggests black holes emit,
2:34:55
thermal radiation and eventually evaporate but The time scar scale
2:35:00
for ton six hundred eighteen exceeds ten to the, power
2:35:04
of one hundred years so long that the concept. Of
2:35:07
time itself becomes questionable the information paradox asks what happens
2:35:13
to information that, falls into a black hole and no
2:35:17
consensus answer exists. Despite decades of theoretical work ton six
2:35:24
one eight embodies this paradox as. Dramatically as any object
2:35:28
can string theory and, quantum gravity approaches proposed solutions. But
2:35:35
experimental tests. Remain impossible with current technology we Can't probe,
2:35:41
physics at the plank scale where quantum. Effects should modify
2:35:45
general relativity we can't observe, the interior of event. Horizons
2:35:51
where singularities supposedly lurk we are left with mathematics and
2:35:56
theoretical arguments. Unable to test prediction directly ton six one
2:36:02
eight reminds us that the universe contains regimes where our
2:36:06
best theories break down and. New physics must eventually emerge the.
2:36:12
Scale still doesn't quite register you can, recite the numbers one,
2:36:16
Thousand three, hundred astronomical units schwarzchild radius, sixty six billion
2:36:22
solar masses one hundred. Forty trillion times solar luminosity you
2:36:28
can Follow the comparisons forty times neptune's Orbit More massive
2:36:33
than the milky way's stars combined light takes, weeks to
2:36:37
cross its, shadow but actually visualizing it actually grasping what
2:36:42
those numbers mean in any visceral sense. That remains beyond
2:36:48
human capability your brain. Compresses THE information into abstractions to
2:36:54
n six one eight becomes a category ultra massive black.
2:36:59
Hole rather than. A thing you can imagine the nebula
2:37:03
becomes a number one hundred billion solar masses. Rather than a.
2:37:08
Physical structure you can picture the jets become a concept
2:37:13
relativistic outflows rather. Than actual streams of plasma you can
2:37:19
visualize the translation from measurement to. Understanding its fundamental cognitive
2:37:25
limits this limitation isn't. Failure its recognition of scope the
2:37:32
universe operates at scales both far smaller and. Far, Larger
2:37:36
than human experience spans quarks and electrons inhabit realms trillions
2:37:43
of times smaller. Than anything you can see galaxy superclusters
2:37:48
and cosmic voids extend billions of light years beyond. Anything you,
2:37:53
can travel to your intuitions shaped by evolution to navigate
2:37:58
a world of medium size objects moving at moderate speeds
2:38:03
simply weren't designed. For extremes in either direction what you can.
2:38:08
Grasp is relationship and context ton six. Hundred eighteen isn't
2:38:15
just large it's among. The largest black holes, known it
2:38:19
isn't just distant it's one of the most distant. Quasas
2:38:23
we've studied in, detail it isn't just massive it's at
2:38:28
or near the theoretical. Maximum mass achievable through accretion these,
2:38:35
relationships place it in context showing where it fits in the.
2:38:40
Cosmic hierarchy of extreme objects. You can also grasp implication
2:38:46
tons six hundred eighteen's existence tells us something about the
2:38:51
early universe that conditions allowed such massive black holes to.
2:38:56
Form within three billion years its property these constrain theoretical
2:39:01
models of black. Hole growth and galaxy evolution its feedback
2:39:06
effects demonstrate how black holes influence their environments on scales.
2:39:11
Far exceeding their Physical size these implications connect ton six
2:39:18
hundred eighteen to broader questions. About cosmic structure and evolution
2:39:23
the human tendency to seek. Meaning in observations Runs deep
2:39:28
you look at ton six one eight and want, to
2:39:31
know what it means what significance it holds beyond. Just
2:39:35
being large and distant the scientific answer focuses on what we,
2:39:40
learn constraints on accretion, physics tests of general, relativity insights into,
2:39:48
galaxy formation but, there's another meaning less. Precise but perhaps
2:39:55
more profound ton six one eight represents. The universe's capacity
2:40:00
for extremes physics. Allows black holes to exist the laws
2:40:06
of nature permit matter to collapse into regions so dense
2:40:10
that space. Time itself warps beyond recognition the same forces that,
2:40:16
shape ordinary stars and, planets scaled up and concentrated produce
2:40:22
objects that. Challenge our ability to understand the universe isn't
2:40:27
obligated to operate at scales. We find comfortable or comprehensible
2:40:33
it simply, operates according to its laws. Producing whatever those
2:40:37
laws allow this indifference to. Human comprehension is itself significant
2:40:44
the universe doesn't. Care whether we understand it ton six
2:40:49
one eight, existed long before humans evolved will continue existing long,
2:40:55
after our species is gone and would remain exactly as
2:40:59
it is even if no. Conscious observers ever studied it
2:41:05
our attempts to measure and, understand it reflect our curiosity
2:41:10
not any. Intrinsic meaning the object. Possesses yet that Curiosity
2:41:15
matters humans are the, universe's way of studying itself matter
2:41:21
arranged in such a way that it can contemplate. Its
2:41:24
own existence and Origins when you think, about ton six
2:41:28
hundred eighteen when you grapple with its scale and, try
2:41:32
to understand its properties. You're participating in something remarkable atoms
2:41:39
forged in ancient stars now, arranged into a human brain
2:41:45
considering the nature of an ultra massive black hole, billions
2:41:49
of light years away the universe examining itself. Through the
2:41:54
medium of. Consciousness that's the real story. Ton six one
2:41:58
eight tells not just facts about, mass and size and,
2:42:03
Luminosity though those are important not just implications, for cosmology
2:42:09
and galaxy. Evolution though those matter too the deeper story
2:42:14
is about the relationship between the universe and the minds.
2:42:18
That try to understand it how we push, against the
2:42:22
limits of comprehension developing mathematics and observations and theories to
2:42:28
grasp phenomena. That exceed our intuitive capabilities the effort itself
2:42:34
is valuable regardless of. How complete our understanding becomes we'll
2:42:40
never Stand on a planet, orbiting ton six one eight never,
2:42:45
directly observe its event horizon never witness its eventual fate.
2:42:50
Billions of years from now but, we can measure, its
2:42:54
properties model its evolution connect it to theoretical frameworks that
2:42:59
explod how. Such objects form and grow we, can place it,
2:43:04
in context understand its significance and use it to test.
2:43:09
Our theories about the, cosmos that's what, science offers not
2:43:13
complete understanding but. Progressive refinement of incomplete, understanding each observation adds,
2:43:21
Detail each measurement constrains theories each new. Instrument reveals previously
2:43:28
hidden aspects the, process continues building knowledge incrementally occasionally making
2:43:36
dramatic leaps when new. Technologies OR insights become available t
2:43:41
n six one eight will continue revealing. SECRETS as our
2:43:45
capabilities improve jwst observations might. Resolve the host galaxy's structure
2:43:54
gravitational wave detectors might. Sense mergers involving similar objects advanced
2:44:00
simulations might explain how it. Grew so massive so quickly
2:44:05
future generations of astronomers will study it with, instruments we
2:44:09
haven't yet imagined asking. Questions we, haven't yet formulated for
2:44:14
now you know what can. Be known from current observations
2:44:19
you understand the scale even if. You can't truly visualize
2:44:22
it you grasp the implications even if. The full picture
2:44:27
remains incomplete you've confronted one of the most extreme objects
2:44:32
in the universe and emerged. With, some measure of understanding
2:44:37
however limited human comprehension must be when faced with phenomena.
2:44:43
This far beyond everyday experience the universe, contains to n
2:44:48
six one, eight, and countless other wonders objects and phenomena
2:44:54
that push the. Boundaries of what physics allows some we've.
2:44:58
Discovered many more awight detection each one challenges, us to
2:45:04
expand our understanding to develop new, ways, of, thinking about.
2:45:08
Matter energy space and time each one reminds us that
2:45:14
reality is richer and. Stranger than we Might imagine that's
2:45:19
how big ton, six hundred eighteen really is not just in,
2:45:23
astronomical units or solar masses but in the space it
2:45:27
occupies in our, attempts to understand the cosmos a landmark
2:45:31
at the edge of comprehension pointing toward. Mysteries that still
2:45:35
await resolution