A massive black hole at the heart of a galaxy in the Virgo constellation is waking up, shooting out intense X-ray flares at regular intervals that have puzzled scientists, a study said.

Recent astronomical observations have unveiled an intriguing phenomenon surrounding a galaxy known as SDSS1335+0728, situated 300 million light-years away in the Virgo constellation. Scientists report that this galaxy, previously overlooked, experienced a remarkable surge in brightness beginning in 2019, prompting astronomers to redirect their telescopes towards it. By February of the following year, Chilean astronomers began detecting regular bursts of X-rays emanating from its core, indicating that the supermassive black hole at the galaxy's heart, dubbed 'Ansky,' is waking up from a long period of dormancy. This discovery is significant, as it offers an unprecedented opportunity for astronomers to observe real-time behavior of a black hole activated from a prolonged state of inactivity. The study published in Nature Astronomy details how these unusual bursts, known as quasiperiodic eruptions (QPEs), differ from typical black hole behavior. Notably, these X-ray flares are described as being ten times longer and ten times more luminous compared to regular QPEs observed in other black holes. The intervals of approximately 4.5 days between these bursts have also set records, challenging existing astrophysical models which struggle to explain their origins. The current scientific consensus suggests that these QPEs might be linked to the accretion disks formed when black holes consume stars or matter, yet astronomers have not observed any recent stellar consumption by Ansky. Experts emphasize the need for ongoing observations and further data collection to fully understand this celestial phenomenon. Various theories have been put forth regarding the cause of the X-ray emissions, one of which posits that certain celestial objects may be interacting with the black hole's accretion disk, producing these powerful eruptions. The rich data generated from multiple X-ray telescopes will be critical for expanding our understanding of black hole activities, particularly as Ansky challenges long-held assumptions about black hole dynamics. The significance of such discoveries cannot be overstated, as they push the boundaries of our current astrophysical models and contribute to the broader understanding of black hole evolution and activity. This finding illustrates the continually evolving nature of astronomical research, serving as a reminder of just how much there is yet to learn about the cosmos. The community eagerly awaits further observations that might unravel the mysteries surrounding Ansky and possibly other sleeping giants in the universe.