Astronomers have discovered the most powerful cosmic explosions since the Big Bang: Extreme Nuclear Transients (ENTs). These events are generated by the disintegration of massive stars by supermassive black holes.
A major breakthrough in astronomy has identified the most energetic cosmic explosions ever recorded. These explosions, termed 'Extreme Nuclear Transients' (ENTs), are among the most powerful and rare events observed in the universe since the Big Bang. These phenomena occur when stars at least three times the size of our sun are ripped apart by the gravitational pull of a supermassive black hole.
What are ENTs?
ENTs are rare and tremendously powerful explosions that occur when massive stars, at least three times the size of our sun, are tidally disrupted by the gravitational pull of a supermassive black hole (an exceptionally large black hole). These events, also known as Tidal Disruption Events (TDEs), have long puzzled astronomers. However, recent discoveries have redefined these explosions as they are approximately ten times brighter and longer-lasting than typical tidal disruption events.
Where and When Were These Cosmic Explosions Observed?
According to a report published in Science Advances on June 4, 2025, astronomer Jason Hickle and his team at the University of Hawaii observed two such mysterious flares between 2016 and 2018. These flares were recorded by the Gaia spacecraft, a mission of the European Space Agency.
Subsequently, in 2020, the Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF) detected a third flare with similar characteristics to the first two. This confirmed to scientists that this was not an ordinary stellar explosion, but one of the most mysterious events in the universe.
Why Are These Explosions So Special?
- 100 Times More Intense Than Supernovae: The energy released by ENTs was far more powerful than a typical supernova.
- Long-Lasting Events: While typical explosions end within days, the brightness of ENTs persists for months or even years.
- Providing Insights into the Early Universe: These events help us understand how black holes functioned and channeled energy in the early universe.
Scientific Significance of ENTs
The brightness of ENTs assists astronomers in probing the centers of distant galaxies. This allows them to understand the evolution of supermassive black holes in the early universe and their energy emission mechanisms. According to Benjamin Shappee, a Hubble Fellow at IFA, this brightness sheds light on the mysteries of supermassive black hole evolution and could become a crucial statistical tool for future cosmic studies.
What are Flares Like Gaia18cdj?
Scientists have particularly studied a tidal disruption event called Gaia18cdj. This event involved a star slowly approaching a black hole and undergoing complete disintegration. The resulting light was exceptionally bright and energetic.
Such events have been occurring for millions of years, but we are only now able to observe and understand them thanks to modern technology and space telescopes.
