Astronomers led by the University of Southampton have discovered AT2021lwx, the largest cosmic explosion recorded, surpassing known supernovae and tidal disruption events in brightness and longevity. This extraordinary event is over ten times brighter than any previously observed supernova and three times brighter than the brightest tidal disruption event, with an ongoing duration of more than three years. Researchers believe the explosion is the result of a supermassive black hole violently disrupting a massive gas cloud, potentially thousands of times larger than the sun.
First detected in 2020 by the Zwicky Transient Facility, AT2021lwx has captured attention due to its unusual brightness over such an extended period. Utilizing various telescopes, including NASA’s Neil Gehrels Swift Telescope, researchers have analyzed its light spectrum to calculate its impressive brightness. While quasars are among the few cosmic objects comparable in brightness, AT2021lwx displayed sudden luminosity without prior detection.
The prevailing theory suggests a large gas or dust cloud strayed from its orbit around the black hole, contributing to the explosion. Future observations aim to deepen understanding of such rare phenomena, which may play vital roles in galaxy evolution.
