Astronomers have discovered Extreme Nuclear Transients (ENTs), a newly classified group of ultra-energetic cosmic explosions believed to be the largest observed since the Big Bang. These rare events were detected while studying the violent interactions between supermassive black holes and massive stars.
Cause of ENTs
- ENTs occur when supermassive black holes located at galactic centers rip apart enormous stars through intense gravitational forces.
- The affected stars are typically at least three times larger than our Sun.
- The resulting cosmic blast releases energy ten times greater than gamma-ray bursts (GRBs)—previously the most powerful known explosions.
Discovery and Data Source
- The observation was made by scientists from the University of Hawaii’s Institute for Astronomy (IfA).
- Astronomical data were analysed from the European Space Agency’s Gaia spacecraft, which charts over one billion stars and tracks celestial motions.
How ENTs Differ from Other Cosmic Events
| Feature | ENTs | Tidal Disruption Events (TDEs) | Fast X-ray Transients (FXTs) |
| Source | Black holes tearing massive stars | Black holes disrupting stars | X-rays from particles trapped in supernovae |
| Energy Output | Highest known | Moderate | Short bursts |
| Galaxy Type | Large galaxies | Various types | Various |
| Observation | Long-term radio emissions | UV/optical flares | Short-lived X-ray flashes |
- ENTs exhibit smooth and long-duration emissions detectable through radio telescopes over several years.
- Unlike TDEs, ENTs involve more massive galaxies and larger black holes.
Future Research
- Upcoming high-sensitivity telescopes such as the:
- Vera C. Rubin Observatory (Chile),
- Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope (NASA),
will significantly improve the detection and analysis of ENTs.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) will play a key role in scanning massive astronomical datasets to identify similar transient events.
Scientific Importance
Studying ENTs can:
- Reveal how supermassive black holes evolve over time.
- Provide insights into the early universe beyond currently observable phenomena.
- Help locate dormant black holes that are not actively consuming matter—complementing studies of active galactic nuclei.