Astronomers watch 18 black holes eating up stars

MIT researchers have uncovered a series of 18 massive black holes engaged in tearing apart and consuming stars. This intriguing phenomenon, termed Tidal Disruption Events (TDEs), involves stars venturing too close to black holes, experiencing gravitational forces that lead to a process known as "spaghettification."

When a star approaches a black hole closely, its material, including gas and dust, forms a spinning disk around the black hole. The strong gravity of the black hole then pulls some material into its central core, while the rest is expelled in high-speed jets. Contrary to prior beliefs, MIT's research suggests that TDEs are not exclusive to galaxies undergoing intense starbursts, expanding their occurrence to a wider range of galaxies.

The MIT team utilized infrared light and a computer program to identify these TDEs, analyzing data from NASA's Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (NEOWISE). By examining quick bursts of light against a predefined list of galaxies, located approximately 600 million light-years away, the researchers successfully detected these new instances of TDEs.

Contrary to expectations, the distribution of TDEs was found across various galaxy types, including regions with dense dust clouds. The use of infrared waves was crucial in this study, as observations in X-rays and optical emissions were not feasible.

Despite TDEs not emitting as much light as anticipated, the research highlights the contribution of extreme ultraviolet (UV) radiation to the observed phenomenon. The study provides insights into the energy deficit of TDEs, with most of their radiation being absorbed in optical and X-ray forms.

The MIT team, by adding 18 new TDEs to their previous observations, estimates that galaxies experience a TDE approximately every 50,000 years. Interestingly, the observed phenomenon does not necessitate the use of complex physics formulas, making it accessible for a broader understanding.

Published recently in the Astrophysical Journal, the findings contribute to a better understanding of TDEs and their prevalence in various galaxies. The research sheds light on the mechanics behind stars being consumed by black holes, offering valuable insights without the need for intricate physics formulations.