Watch a Galaxy ‘Turn on the Lights’: Astronomers Capture Stunning Real-Time Transformation

Every night, the Zwicky Transient Facility’s camera scans the skies, comparing images with the previous night. This high-tech method helps astronomers spot new cosmic events in real-time. It’s like a cosmic detective, ready to send alerts at the first sign of something unusual.

In December 2019, this system noticed something strange happening in a galaxy named SDSS1335+0728, located in the Virgo constellation, about 300 million light-years away. For over 20 years, the galaxy appeared quiet, but suddenly its core surged in brightness.

At the heart of SDSS1335+0728 is a supermassive black hole, millions of times heavier than our Sun. The sudden flare could mean one of two things: a star might be getting torn apart or the black hole could be consuming matter for the first time in a long while.

Paula Sánchez Sáez, an astronomer from ESO in Germany, highlighted the surprise this event caused: “Imagine observing a galaxy that seems calm for years, only for it to suddenly brighten dramatically.”

Typically, astronomical events are short-lived. However, for over four years, SDSS1335+0728 continued to shine bright. This unusual persistence places it between well-known categories, creating curiosity among scientists.

Experts typically classify cosmic flashes based on their properties—when they happen, their color, and spectra. Surveys like ZTF (Zwicky Transient Facility) track millions of cosmic signals each night, with an even larger dataset expected from upcoming telescopes like the Vera C. Rubin Observatory.

As astronomers investigated SDSS1335+0728 further, they gathered data from major telescopes, like the Very Large Telescope in Chile. They found that the galaxy’s emissions surged in ultraviolet, optical, and infrared light, indicating significant activity near the black hole.

Sánchez Sáez pointed out, “This behavior is unprecedented.” The observations show the galaxy’s core waking from dormancy, a rare sight that can help us learn about black hole evolution.

Interestingly, most supermassive black holes have finished growing billions of years ago and are largely dormant. Observing one become active now is a rare opportunity for scientists, offering insights into the early universe and how galaxies evolve. As Claudio Ricci from Diego Portales University stated, “In the case of SDSS1335+0728, we observed the awakening of a massive black hole that suddenly became very bright.”

Looking ahead, researchers are keen to further study this fascinating cosmic event. They aim to determine if the brightness is related to a slow tidal disruption, a new accretion disk forming, or another type of outburst. Each scenario could alter our understanding of how materials gather around black holes.

As we continue to watch SDSS1335+0728, it reminds us of the universe’s dynamic nature. Instruments like the Extremely Large Telescope will help scientists unravel more secrets about black holes and the evolution of galaxies. The sky is full of surprises, and new discoveries may just be a scan away.



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