New data explain how black holes have ‘forbidden masses’, Pg12

Key Highlights:

• New data explains the mystery of black holes with 'forbidden masses' [50-130 solar masses].
• Gravitational wave observations had detected black holes in this mass range, contradicting stellar theory.
• Scientists attribute this to hierarchical mergers of lighter black holes forming heavier ones.
• Data was collected by instruments in Japan, Italy, and the U.S.

Detailed Insights:

• Stellar theory predicts a dying star cannot directly form a black hole in the 50 to 130 solar masses range.
• The detection of black holes within the 'forbidden mass' range has puzzled astronomers.
• Hierarchical mergers involve multiple generations of black hole mergers over cosmic time.
• This explanation aligns observed gravitational wave events with established astrophysical models.

Scientific/Technical Concepts Involved:

• Black Hole: A region in spacetime with gravity so strong that nothing, not even light, can escape.
• Solar Mass: A unit of mass equal to the mass of the Sun, used to measure the mass of stars and black holes.
• Gravitational Waves: Ripples in spacetime caused by accelerating massive objects, like merging black holes.
• Hierarchical Mergers: A process where smaller black holes merge repeatedly to form larger black holes.