Discovery of First Black Hole Triple System Rewrites Theory

For the first time, scientists have identified a “black hole triple” system, indicating a new way black holes might form.

Located 8 000 light-years from Earth, the black hole V404 Cygni was previously thought to be in a binary system, consuming a nearby star. However, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Caltech researchers recently uncovered a second, distant star in orbit around this black hole, rotating once every 70 000 years.

Traditional models suggest black holes form through supernova explosions that release enormous energy, potentially ejecting surrounding stars. However, the distant star’s stable orbit around V404 Cygni suggests a gentler “direct collapse” formed the black hole without a violent release of energy, leaving nearby stars undisturbed.

Simulations run by lead scientist Kevin Burdge found that this quieter process is more likely to retain a distant companion. Uniquely, the distant star also allowed scientists to date the system at around 4 billion years.

This discovery challenges established views on black hole formation and hints that other triple systems may exist, signalling a need to re-evaluate black hole evolution across the cosmos.

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