Summary: In 2019, the previously unremarkable galaxy SDSS1335+0728 suddenly began to shine brighter than ever before, leading astronomers to investigate the cause. Using data from various observatories including the Very Large Telescope (VLT) of the European Southern Observatory (ESO), they tracked the galaxy’s brightness fluctuations. Their study, published in Astronomy & Astrophysics, reveals unprecedented changes likely due to the awakening of a massive black hole at the galaxy’s center. This phenomenon, classified as an Active Galactic Nucleus (AGN), is unique and ongoing, shedding light on black hole activation in real-time. These findings challenge existing knowledge, prompting further observations for clarity.
https://www.eso.org/public/germany/news/eso2409/