The biggest black hole in the universe, known to us, is TON 618.
TON 618: An Ultramassive Black Hole
TON 618 isn't just big; it's ultramassive. This black hole boasts a mass of approximately 66 billion times the mass of our Sun. To put that in perspective, it's so large that astronomers had to coin a new term to classify it.
Key Characteristics
- Name: TON 618
- Type: Ultramassive Black Hole
- Mass: Approximately 66 billion solar masses
- Significance: The largest known black hole in the observable universe.
Why is TON 618 So Significant?
TON 618 provides valuable insights into the formation and growth of supermassive and ultramassive black holes. Its existence challenges existing models and helps astronomers better understand the extreme limits of black hole size.
The Search Continues
While TON 618 currently holds the title, the universe is vast, and it's possible that even larger black holes exist that we haven't yet discovered. Astronomical research continues to push the boundaries of our knowledge.
