A team of scientists in the United States, led by Indian-origin astrophysicist Dr. Raga Deepika Pucha, has made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of black hole research. Utilizing data from the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI), the team identified the largest known samples of intermediate-mass black holes and dwarf galaxies hosting active black holes. This achievement significantly enhances our understanding of black hole formation and the evolution of dwarf galaxies.
Key Highlights of the Discovery:
Unprecedented Sample Size: The researchers compiled data from approximately 410,000 galaxies, including 115,000 dwarf galaxies. This extensive dataset led to the identification of about 2,500 candidate dwarf galaxies with active galactic nuclei (AGN), marking the largest sample of its kind to date.
Enhanced Detection Rates: The study revealed that approximately 2% of the surveyed dwarf galaxies host active black holes, a fourfold increase from the previously estimated 0.5%. This finding suggests that active black holes in dwarf galaxies are more common than previously thought.
About Dr. Raga Deepika Pucha:
Dr. Pucha, originally from Tenali in Andhra Pradesh's Guntur district, serves as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Utah. Her leadership in this study underscores the significant contributions of Indian-origin scientists to global astrophysical research.
Implications of the Discovery:
This research offers valuable insights into the relationship between black hole growth and dwarf galaxy evolution. Understanding this dynamic is crucial for unraveling the mysteries surrounding the formation of the universe's earliest black holes and their subsequent development. The findings also open new avenues for exploring how black holes influence their host galaxies over cosmic timescales.
The DESI project, which facilitated this discovery, is an international collaboration involving over 900 researchers from more than 70 institutions worldwide. Managed by the U.S. Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, DESI aims to survey approximately 40 million galaxies and quasars over its five-year mission, significantly advancing our comprehension of the cosmos.
In summary, the pioneering work of Dr. Raga Deepika Pucha and her team has substantially expanded the known population of intermediate-mass black holes and active dwarf galaxies, providing a robust foundation for future astrophysical studies.
