Quasars are found throughout the Universe, but quasar pairs are rare.
We estimate that in the distant universe, for every 1,000 quasars, there is one double quasar.
These newly-recognized pairs are the oldest of the 100 or so quasar pairs currently known to astronomers.
As the quasars drifted toward each other, energy would have raced from the bodies, radiating into space.
Eventually, the quasars would have merged into single black holes of enormous size.
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Analysis of the study was published in Nature Astronomy.
Quasars are extremely energetic galaxies, powered by highly-active supermassive black holes near their centers.
While this process is active, these supermassive black holes can outshine entire galaxies.
The quasars in each pair examined in this new study are just 10,000 light years from each other.
This proximity suggests the quasars are found within merginggalaxies.
Nadia Zakamskaof Johns Hopkins University.
This examination also provided proof of their positions, as well as information regarding their chemical compositions.
Quasars make a profound impact on galaxy formation in the universe.
However, researchers were unable to find any object in their view capable of causing this effect.
A long time ago, in galaxies far, far away…
Billions of years from now, our own Milky Way will, itself, become a highly-luminescent quasar.
Currently, both of these are sleeping giants, only consuming small amounts of matter.
However, our neighboring galaxy and the Milky Way are approaching each other, and will one day collide.
As the galaxies draw closer, the supermassive black holes at the cores of each galaxy will awaken.
As the quasars drifted toward each other, energy would have raced from the bodies, radiating into space.
Eventually, the quasars would have merged into single black holes of enormous size.
Analysis of the study was published inNature Astronomy.
This article was originally published onThe Cosmic Companionby James Maynard, founder and publisher of The Cosmic Companion.
you could read this original piecehere.
