Scientists Uncover Surprising Rapid Rotation of Black Holes

Researchers have found that some supermassive black holes are spinning significantly faster than previously thought, according to findings from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. This groundbreaking study indicates that black holes, which have been observed up to seven billion years into the past, are likely nourished not only by cosmic mergers but also by the gas and dust they consume. Logan Fries, a team member from the University of Connecticut, highlighted that the rapid spins are inconsistent with traditional models that attribute their growth solely to galaxy mergers.

The research relied on advanced techniques termed "black hole archaeology," where scientists analyzed the spins of these cosmic giants by examining the light emitted from their accretion disks. The speed of the accretion disks complicates the measurement of black hole spin. The study suggests that black holes could accumulate angular momentum gradually over time through the absorption of material, creating a "fossil record" of their growth patterns. The implications of this research could reshape our understanding of black hole evolution and the dynamics of the early universe, as noted by Juna Kollmeier, Director of SDSS-V.