Russian scientists have calculated the mass of the MAXI J1348-630 black hole. This was reported by the Moscow State University press service and the scientific article was published. published Q1 In Astronomy and Astrophysics.
In 2019, astronomers discovered a new source of bright X-rays in the constellation Centaurus. The brightness gradually increased, and within days a new source of X-rays eclipsed the Crab Nebula. Subsequently, the object called MAXI J1348-630 turned out to be a black hole or a neutron star. However, since the distance to it was unknown, it was impossible to determine the object’s exact mass and reliably classify it. Neutron stars have a mass less than 3 solar masses, and “stellar” black holes have a mass between 3 and 50 solar masses.
However, the Russian-German SRG telescope recently discovered a giant dust ring around the object, formed as a result of a brief flare. The radiation of the object was reflected from this ring at different points, and therefore came to Earth with a delay – a “light echo” effect appeared. Russian scientists were able to calculate the distance from this echo to MAXI J1348-630 – approximately 9 thousand light years. This made it possible to more accurately determine the mass and finally make sure that the X-ray emission came from a black hole.
“The value obtained is consistent with other methods but has a smaller spread. As a result, the mass turned out to be 2 times more than the first estimates. It is important to make such measurements to test the accuracy of our knowledge and theories about the universe and its development. If a black hole turns out to be more than 50 solar masses, then the fundamentals of stellar physics and stellar evolution will need to be reviewed. This time, nothing like that happened,” said Elena Seifina, one of SAI MSU’s leading researchers.
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