The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), a supreme piece of technology, has recently made a groundbreaking discovery. It has detected the most distant active supermassive black hole to date, a feat that has excited astronomers and space enthusiasts worldwide.
The galaxy hosting this black hole, known as CEERS 1019, formed a massive 570 million years after the Big Bang. The black hole within it weighs a whopping 9 million solar masses. This is a surprising find, as most supermassive black holes in the early universe weigh over 1 billion solar masses. The relatively small size of the black hole in CEERS 1019 has left astronomers puzzled and intrigued.
This discovery was made using data from the Cosmic Evolution Early Release Science (CEERS) Survey. The spectral data collected by JWST reveals that CEERS 1019 is actively producing new stars, adding another layer of complexity to this fascinating discovery.
The survey also found two other lightweight supermassive black holes in galaxies CEERS 2782 and CEERS 746. These black holes weigh around 10 million solar masses each. For comparison, our Milky Way galaxy’s black hole, Sagittarius A*, is about 4.3 million times more massive than the sun. The behemoth at the center of galaxy M87 harbors about 6.5 billion solar masses.
In total, 11 galaxies have been discovered using JWST’s CEERS survey data. These galaxies are thought to have formed between 470 to 675 million years after the Big Bang. The study of these galaxies could revolutionize astronomers’ understanding of cosmic history.
Where is the James Webb Space Telescope currently located? The James Webb Space Telescope, a massive and scientifically tested piece of technology, is currently located at the second Lagrange point (L2). This is a point in space about 1.5 million kilometers (930,000 miles) away from Earth. The location was chosen because it allows the telescope to stay in line with the Earth as it orbits the Sun, providing a stable environment for the telescope to observe the universe.
How far can the new James Webb Space Telescope see? The James Webb Space Telescope is designed to see incredibly far into the universe. Thanks to its gigantic mirror and powerful infrared instruments, it can observe light from galaxies that are as far as 13.7 billion light-years away. This means it can see galaxies that formed just after the Big Bang, providing us with a glimpse into the early universe.
What did the James Webb Space Telescope discover so far? Since its launch in December 2021, the James Webb Space Telescope has made several significant discoveries. One of its most groundbreaking findings is the detection of the most distant active supermassive black hole to date, located in a galaxy known as CEERS 1019. The telescope’s data has also led to the discovery of 11 galaxies that formed between 470 to 675 million years after the Big Bang.
How many years will the James Webb Space Telescope last? The James Webb Space Telescope is designed to last for many years. Its mission timeline is planned for at least 10 years, but it carries enough fuel to maintain its orbit for more than 20 years if all goes well. However, the exact lifespan of the telescope will depend on how well its instruments and systems perform over time.
