The Infinity Galaxy: A Possible Direct-Collapse Black Hole
A Challenge to Our Understanding of Black Holes
For decades, astrophysicists have struggled to explain how supermassive black holes (SMBHs) appeared so early in the universe’s history. Traditional theories suggest that they grew gradually—either from smaller stellar-mass black holes merging (“light seed” model) or through the collapse of massive gas clouds (“heavy seed” model). The latter idea, known as the direct-collapse theory, has long been controversial because the precise conditions required remain uncertain.
A Discovery with the James Webb Space Telescope
Recent observations with the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) may provide the first real evidence of this direct-collapse process. Astronomers have identified a peculiar galaxy, now known as the Infinity Galaxy, whose unusual structure may hold the key to solving this mystery.
The Infinity Galaxy appears to be the result of two colliding galaxies, creating a figure-eight or “infinity” shape. Instead of containing a black hole at the center of one nucleus, astronomers found a supermassive black hole positioned between the two galactic cores—a configuration unlike anything seen before.
Could This Be the First Direct-Collapse Black Hole?
Researchers propose that during the galaxy collision, a dense gas cloud formed between the nuclei. Rather than forming stars first, this cloud may have collapsed directly into a black hole. Such a process would represent the first observed direct birth of a supermassive black hole, something that has previously only been predicted in simulations.
Peter Van Dam, the lead researcher, explains:
“We think we’re witnessing the birth of a supermassive black hole, something that has never been seen before.”
Evidence Supporting the Theory
The JWST detected a large region of ionized gas surrounding the black hole, suggesting powerful interactions consistent with recent formation. The black hole also sits precisely in the center of the gas’s velocity distribution, further hinting that it originated there rather than being dragged in from elsewhere.
However, alternative explanations remain possible. The black hole could be a runaway black hole ejected from another galaxy or the remnant of a hidden third galaxy. To test these ideas, the team has requested additional JWST observation time to measure the surrounding gas velocities with higher precision.
Why This Matters
If confirmed, this would be the first direct observational evidence that supermassive black holes can form through direct collapse. Such a discovery would transform our understanding of cosmic evolution and the role black holes played in shaping the early universe.
Van Dam emphasizes:
“This is as close to a smoking gun as we’re likely ever going to get.”
A Glimpse Into the Early Cosmos
The Infinity Galaxy’s light has traveled 8.3 billion years to reach us, meaning we are looking back into a time when galaxies were still young and collisions were more common. This makes the discovery not only extraordinary but also highly relevant for explaining why so many supermassive black holes already existed when the universe was less than a billion years old.
The Beginning of Answers
Whether this truly is the first direct-collapse black hole or another rare cosmic phenomenon, the Infinity Galaxy offers unprecedented insights. If the hypothesis holds, it would confirm that the universe has more than one pathway to creating its most massive objects.
And perhaps most importantly, it reminds us that even with today’s most advanced telescopes, we are still only scratching the surface of the universe’s secrets.
*Image by GarryKillian on Freepik
