A New Method of Hunting Nearby Black Holes Turns up a Monster

Astronomers say this new way to find black holes could expand the small number discovered so far in our Milky Way galaxy.

By Erika K. Carlson
Nov 27, 2019 6:00 PMDec 12, 2019 7:30 PM
black hole binary star xmm 960
A black hole steals material from a neighboring star in this artist's illustration. (Credit: NASA, CXC, M. Weiss)

Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
 

Editor's Note: Since this research was initially published, several studies have contested one of its main results (link 1, link 2, link 3). Outside researchers believe the object discovered is likely a black hole much less than 70 solar masses.


0 free articles left
Want More? Get unlimited access for as low as $1.99/month

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

0 free articlesSubscribe
Discover Magazine Logo
Want more?

Keep reading for as low as $1.99!

Subscribe

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

Stay Curious

Sign up for our weekly newsletter and unlock one more article for free.

 

View our Privacy Policy


Want more?
Keep reading for as low as $1.99!


Log In or Register

Already a subscriber?
Find my Subscription

More From Discover
Stay Curious
Join
Our List

Sign up for our weekly science updates.

 
Subscribe
To The Magazine

Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.

Copyright © 2025 LabX Media Group