Quasar PG 1302-102 tagged posts

Columbia researchers predict that a pair of converging supermassive black holes in the Virgo constellation will collide sooner than expected. Above, an artist’s conception of a merger. CREDIT (P. Marenfeld/NOAO/AURA/NSF)

Astronomers have provided additional evidence that a pair of closely orbiting black holes deep in the Virgo constellation is causing the rhythmic flashes of light coming from quasar PG 1302-102. Based on calculations of the pair’s mass – together, and relative to each other – the researchers go on to predict a smashup 100,000 years from now, far sooner than previously predicted. The collision will be so powerful it would send a burst of gravitational waves surging through the fabric of space-time itself.

Spiraling together 3...