Discovering the Largest Stellar Black Hole in the Milky Way: Gaia BH3

Astronomers have made a groundbreaking discovery of the largest stellar black hole in the Milky Way, named Gaia BH3. This black hole has a mass 33 times that of the Sun and was identified through data collected by the European Space Agency’s Gaia mission. The telescope used by Gaia provided precise positions of stars in the sky, allowing astronomers to measure the mass of Gaia BH3.

The discovery of Gaia BH3 was unexpected, as it was found by chance. Further observations from ground telescopes confirmed the presence of this high-mass black hole, which was previously undetected. Stellar black holes like Gaia BH3 are formed from the collapse of massive stars at the end of their life. However, Gaia BH3 is considered dormant because it is too far away from its companion star to emit X-rays.

Gaia has been instrumental in identifying other inactive black holes in the Milky Way, including Gaia BH1 and Gaia BH2. This space mission has been operating for the past 10 years, providing valuable data about the positions and motions of over 1.8 billion stars. The discovery of Gaia BH3 adds to our understanding of black holes and their presence in our galaxy.

The telescope used by Gaia provides precise positions of stars in the sky, allowing astronomers to measure the mass of this high-mass black hole. The detection was unexpected as it was found by chance.

Further observations from ground telescopes confirmed the presence of this high-mass black hole, which had previously gone undetected.

Stellar black holes like Gaia BH3 are formed through the collapse of massive stars at their end stage.

However, due to its distance from its companion star, this dormant black hole does not emit X-rays.

Gaia has played an instrumental role in discovering other inactive black holes in our Milky Way galaxy.

These include Galileo Galilei’s famous “discoveries” that led to his eventual expulsion from Italy for his support for Copernicanism (heliocentrism). He also discovered Jupiter’s four largest moons (Io, Europa, Ganymede and Callisto), which are now known as some of Jupiter’s most recognizable features.

In addition to these discoveries, Galileo made significant contributions to astronomy through his invention and use of scientific instruments such as telescopes and thermometers.

His work laid the foundation for many future advancements in science and technology.