Gravitational waves offer a 'cosmic DNA test' for black holes

Gravitational waves reveal black hole origins by analyzing size and spin.

: Researchers at the University of Cardiff have developed a method using gravitational waves to trace the origins of black holes by studying their spins. Gravitational waves, first proposed by Albert Einstein, offer insights into the formation history and birthplace of black holes, similar to a cosmic DNA test. The study particularly focuses on black holes formed from mergers in dense star clusters, a finding supported by data from LIGO and Virgo. The research has been published and is set to refine models as new detectors come online.

Researchers from the University of Cardiff have developed a method akin to a cosmic DNA test for black holes by analyzing gravitational waves. These waves, originally proposed by Albert Einstein, offer a data-driven methodology to determine the origins and formation processes of black holes, focusing on their size and spin characteristics.

This research is particularly interested in supermassive black holes that form through successive mergers in densely populated star clusters. Data from 69 gravitational wave events observed by LIGO and Virgo has shown that certain spin patterns emerge at a high mass threshold, indicating the frequent merging of these celestial bodies.

Future facilities like the Einstein Telescope and LISA aim to provide further insights, refining existing models of black hole formation. This research underscores the diversity of black holes and utilizes gravitational waves as a critical tool for uncovering their complex ancestry.

Gravitational wavesBlack holesastronomy