NASA | RXTE Satellite Catches the Beat of a Midsize Black Hole

Astronomers have discovered a rare black hole, M82X1, in the M82A Galaxy, about 12 million light years away. Known for being the galaxy's brightest X-ray source, M82X1 is a mid-sized black hole, weighing around 400 times the mass of our sun. This mass is determined through X-ray data analysis, revealing a unique 3:2 signal pattern in its X-ray glow. These findings place M82X1 in the exclusive category of middle mass black holes, bridging the gap between smaller black holes formed by stars and the massive ones found in galaxy centers.

What makes M82X1 a unique black hole in the M82A Galaxy?

• It is located in the center of the galaxy.

• It is the brightest X-ray source in the galaxy.

• It is the smallest black hole ever discovered.

• It is the closest black hole to Earth.

How does the mass of M82X1 compare to other black holes?

• It is smaller than black holes formed by stars.

• It is larger than supermassive black holes.

• It is the same size as black holes found in galaxy centers.

• It is a middle-mass black hole, larger than stellar but smaller than supermassive black holes.

What method did astronomers use to determine the mass of M82X1?

• By measuring its gravitational pull on nearby stars.

• By calculating its distance from Earth.

• By analyzing its X-ray glow and identifying a special signature.

• By observing its effect on the galaxy's rotation.

What is the significance of the three-to-two relationship in the X-ray signals of M82X1?

• It provides clues to the black hole's mass.

• It shows the black hole's age.

• It helps in determining the black hole's temperature.

• It indicates the presence of multiple black holes.

How many times does one hot spot flash compared to the other in the X-ray signals of M82X1?

• 6.0 times compared to 4.0 times

• 4.2 times compared to 2.8 times

• 5.1 times compared to 3.3 times

• 3.0 times compared to 2.0 times