Record-breaking black hole merger detected by LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA collaboration

In a cosmic event that defies current scientific understanding, astronomers have confirmed the most massive black hole merger ever recorded. Using gravitational waves – ripples in the fabric of spacetime – the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA (LVK) Collaboration observed two enormous black holes crashing together to form a single, ultra-massive entity over 225 times the mass of the Sun. This record-breaking discovery challenges existing theories of black hole formation and evolution, marking a significant leap forward for gravitational-wave astronomy.

Detected on 23 November 2023, and named GW231123, the signal is reshaping scientific understanding of extreme cosmic objects. Data was captured by the U.S. National Science Foundation-funded LIGO detectors in Hanford and Livingston, with contributions from Virgo in Italy and KAGRA in Japan.

The LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA Collaboration involves over 2,000 scientists from 300+ institutions globally. LIGO, Virgo, and KAGRA each bring unique technological strengths, forming a distributed observatory capable of pinpointing cosmic events with exceptional precision.

GW231123's intense spin and high mass challenge traditional theories of black hole formation, suggesting a complex evolutionary history. The event not only sets a new mass record but also pushes the limits of gravitational-wave astronomy, requiring advanced modelling to interpret the signal accurately.

GW231123 surpasses the previous record-holder, GW190521, and offers new insights into the lifecycle of massive celestial bodies. The LVK Collaboration's open data policy supports broader scientific analysis, with GW231123 set to be discussed at the GR-Amaldi 2025 conference in Glasgow.

As gravitational-wave observatories advance, deeper insights into extreme cosmic phenomena are expected.