Allen Telescope Array Helps Uncover Hidden Black Hole Tearing Apart a Star
Radio observations with the Allen Telescope Array (ATA) have helped discover an unprecedented burst of radio activity from a tidal disruption event (TDE).
TDEs occur when a star wanders too close to a supermassive black hole (SMBH) and is ripped apart by its strong gravitational forces, lighting up the cosmos across all wavelengths.
This particular TDE, named AT 2024tvd, stands out from others, evolving at record-breaking speed and taking place off-center, away from the nucleus of its galaxy.
Artist’s interpretation of two massive black holes (MBHs) within a galaxy, with a tidal disruption event unfolding around the MBH.
Author's summary: Telescope array helps uncover hidden black hole.