NASA recently shared an eerie audio clip from a supermassive black hole located 250 million light-years away in the Perseus galaxy cluster. This sound isn’t typical; it’s based on sound waves that scientists turned into audible frequencies. These waves were originally too low for humans to hear, but NASA raised them by 57 and 58 octaves, which gives them a haunting quality—almost like a cosmic howl.
In 2003, astronomers discovered these acoustic waves around the black hole, which created buzz in the scientific community. The original frequency detected was a B-flat, recorded below the threshold of human hearing. To give you context, this low note vibrates at a frequency of 10 million years, meaning it stretches far beyond the sounds we typically experience.
When sound waves travel, they interact with the hot, dense gas in the intracluster medium of galaxy clusters. This medium is hotter than the surrounding areas, which allows scientists to detect these waves using tools like the Chandra X-ray Observatory. The heat, visible in X-ray light, enables researchers to explore the dynamics of these massive cosmic entities.
Interestingly, the sound waves also play a role in shaping the universe. They carry energy that can influence star formation over long periods. So, these eerie sounds aren’t just noise; they impact how galaxies evolve.
In a similar vein, another supermassive black hole, M87*, has also been turned into sound. Researchers used data from various instruments to create a sonification of its energetic jets. By converting visual data into sound, scientists can uncover hidden patterns and details about the universe that might not be evident through traditional analysis.
The idea that there’s “no sound in space” is a common misconception, mostly because vast areas of space are vacuums. However, galaxy clusters contain enough gas that sound can travel, making these recordings unique scientific treasures. They reflect the complexity and wonder of our universe, reminding us that there’s still much to explore.
For more details on how these sounds were captured and their significance, you can check NASA’s official site here.
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