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A case for a binary black hole system revealed via quasi-periodic outflows
Dheeraj R Pasham1, Francesco Tombesi2,3,4,5,6, Petra Suková7
1Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
Science Advances
|March 27, 2024
Summary
Researchers discovered quasi-periodic outflows (QPOuts) from an active galactic nucleus, suggesting an intermediate-mass black hole binary. This finding offers a new method for identifying such extreme-mass ratio binary candidates.
Area of Science:
- Astrophysics
- Black Hole Research
- Gravitational Wave Astronomy
Background:
- Identifying compact object binaries orbiting supermassive black holes is crucial for understanding gravitational wave event precursors.
- Such binaries are challenging to detect, hindering the study of extreme-mass ratio inspirals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the nature of quasi-periodic variability in X-ray absorption observed in an active galactic nucleus.
- To determine if this variability can be explained by a binary system involving a supermassive black hole and a compact object.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of quasi-periodic variability in X-ray absorption data.
- Ruling out alternative models based on observed properties.
- Utilizing general relativistic magnetohydrodynamic (GRMHD) simulations to model the observed phenomena.
Main Results:
- Observed quasi-periodic variability interpreted as quasi-periodic outflows (QPOuts).
- QPOuts, occurring approximately every 8.3 days, are consistent with an intermediate-mass black hole secondary.
- The secondary black hole is suggested to be in a mildly eccentric orbit at ~100 gravitational radii from the primary supermassive black hole.
Conclusions:
- Quasi-periodic outflows (QPOuts) provide a novel observational signature for intermediate/extreme-mass ratio binary candidates.
- This discovery offers a new pathway for identifying these elusive systems, crucial for gravitational wave research.
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