In a groundbreaking revelation, astronomers using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) have uncovered the existence of the oldest black hole ever discovered, residing at the heart of the distant galaxy GN-z11. The findings, detailed in a paper titled "A Small and Vigorous Black Hole in the Early Universe," published in the journal Nature on January 17, mark a significant leap in our understanding of the cosmos.

The JWST, designed for infrared astronomy with its state-of-the-art instruments boasting high resolution and sensitivity, has once again expanded our cosmic horizons. This technological marvel allows scientists to peer into realms previously inaccessible, observing celestial objects that are not only too old but also unimaginably distant and faint, eclipsing the capabilities of its predecessor, the Hubble Space Telescope.

Situated a staggering 13.4 billion light years away from our Milky Way Galaxy, the galaxy GN-z11 has emerged as a celestial marvel. Born just 400 million years after the Big Bang, it offers a glimpse into the universe's infancy. Despite being a mere 1% of the Milky Way's size, GN-z11 commands attention due to the colossal black hole at its core.

The black hole's mass, exceeding a few million times that of our Sun, has confounded astronomers. The puzzle arises from the apparent contradiction: to amass such mass, the black hole would require at least a billion years, yet the universe was not even half a billion years old. The scientific community speculates on the birth of black holes at a large size or the possibility of accelerated matter absorption, challenging our current understanding.

Lead astronomer Roberto Maiolino suggests that the early galaxies, rich in gas, may have served as a buffet for these voracious black holes. The presence of an accreting disk around the black hole indicates ongoing growth, even after accumulating an enormous mass. This intense feeding is not only responsible for the luminosity of GN-z11 but also stunts the growth of its host galaxy.

The effects of this supermassive black hole on GN-z11 are profound. Ultrafast winds of particles, emitted from the feeding black hole, are likely pushing away gas and dust from the galaxy's core. In the cosmic ballet of star formation, this expulsion of material hampers the collapse of cold gas and dust clouds, essential for the birth of stars. As a result, the gluttonous black hole is effectively "killing" the growth of its small host galaxy.

This monumental discovery has significantly advanced our understanding of the early universe. It challenges previous assumptions about the timeline of supermassive black hole formation, prompting researchers to explore alternative theories such as the birth of black holes at a large size or accelerated matter absorption. The JWST's role in this discovery showcases its unprecedented sensitivity, providing a transformative leap in our observational capabilities, akin to upgrading from Galileo's telescope to a modern one overnight.

Looking ahead, researchers aim to leverage the JWST's capabilities to unveil more black holes in the early universe. The focus includes discovering small black hole seeds in the cosmos' infancy, potentially settling debates surrounding the premature growth of supermassive black holes. This newfound knowledge not only enriches our understanding of cosmic evolution but also opens new avenues for exploration, reinforcing the idea that the universe has been generous in revealing its secrets. The JWST, with its ability to peer into the cosmic dawn, marks the beginning of a new era in astronomical exploration, promising further revelations about the mysteries of the cosmos.

Written by combined efforts of: Ahmad Tahir & Abdul Rehman