Astronomers Propose New Explanation for Record Black Hole Merger

Astronomers Propose New Explanation for Record Black Hole Merger

The gravitational wave signal GW231123, associated with a record merger of black holes with a total mass of about 225 solar masses, may have been the result of a cosmic optical illusion rather than evidence of a violation of known astrophysical laws. This conclusion was reached by the authors of a study published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, reports [Gizmodo](https://gizmodo.com/that-impossible-black-hole-merger-may-have-just-been-a-cosmic-optical-illusion-2000809879).

Scientists suggest that gravitational waves may have undergone gravitational lensing — distortion caused by a massive object between the signal source and Earth. As a result, the event appeared much more massive than it actually was.

"The observed large masses become understandable. Moreover, such an interpretation does not require assuming unusually high rotation speeds," noted co-author of the study, Srashti Goyal from the Albert Einstein Institute.