We have detected the greatest fusion of black holes seen to date. It is a problem for our theoretical models

One of the enigmas that most intrigue astronomers is that of Black holes of intermediate size, those black holes halfway between the holes of stellar mass and the supermassions such as the one that dominates in the center of our galaxy. These are black holes with masses between 100 times that of our sun and those that multiply this star mass by millions. GW231123. A group of Ligo-Virgo-Kagra (LVK) collaboration researchers (LVK) has announced The detection of the greatest clash between two black holes registered to date. The discovery has occurred thanks to the gravitational waves generated by the impact, whose signal has been called GW231123 by those who detected it. November 2023. The name of the signal refers to the date on which it was observed, on November 23, 2023. The study of the detected waves led those responsible for the new study to estimate that the resulting black hole had a dough some 225 times higher than that of our sun. Until now the most massive had been “alone” 140 solar masses. It was in 2021, the GW190521 signal. Estimates indicate that the 2023 signal was the result of the collision between a black hole of 100 solar masses with one of 140 solar masses. That is, only one of the black holes was already as massive as that of the fruit of the largest shock detected so far. From this event not only highlights its magnitude, but also the fact that the speed of rotation of black holes was surprisingly high. A new enigma in heaven. All this planet an important unknown for the team. As they explain, the holes of such mass cannot be formed from the death of a star, at least based on what contemporary physical models say. The only way we know can be formed is through the fusion of smaller black holes. LVK. In 2015, the Ligo experiment made history detecting for the first time the clash of two black holes through the expansion of gravitational waves associated with such a violent event. This pioneering experiment has been company in Europe and Kagra for years (Kamioka gravitational wave detector) In Japan. Together they have already detected more than 300 clashes between black holes. The details of the study They have been presented In the 24th International Conference on General Relativity and Gravitation (GR24) and 16th Conference Edoardo Amaldi on gravitational waves, a joint conference held this week in Glasgow, Scotland. Not so easy to observe. The detection of GW231123 “pushed the limits of both gravitational wave detection technology and current theoretical models,” says the responsible team. Analyzing these types of events through gravitational waves is not easy, but knowing more about them can help us unravel some key mysteries of the cosmos. “Black holes seem to turn very quickly, almost to the limit of what is allowed by Einstein’s theory of relativity,” explained in a press release Charlie today, co -author of the study. “This makes the signal difficult to model and interpret. It is an excellent case study to push the development of our theoretical tools.” Looking for the midpoint. Theoretical tools that perhaps help us reveal the secrets of the elusive black sized black holes. Today we do not know very well how these holes are formed whose mere existence implies the certainty that we still do not know about our universe. In Xataka | What happens if you fall into a black hole, explained in a simple way in an overwhelming NASA simulation Image | POT

Its solar panel in tandem already exceeds the theoretical limit of silicon

The efficiency of solar panels always andStá in object of studyand the only country capable of developing new advances is China. In fact, the company Longi has achieved have even a certificate of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) of the United States. Short. The Chinese giant of the solar modules He has achieved A new record in solar energy conversion, reaching 34.85% efficiency in a pervskita solar cell in two terminal tandem. In this way, Longi has managed to overcome The previous 34.6% record that Longi herself held two years ago. A key technical advance. To understand the feat, it is important to know the tandem design. This structure combines an upper cape of Perovskita and a lower crystalline silicon, allowing to capture different ranges of the solar spectrum. Through a technique called bilayer interface passive, two layers are introduced that improve the passage of electricity between both active layers. On the one hand, lithium fluoride (LIF) acts as a barrier against load losses. On the other, the ethylendiamium diyoduro (EDAI) fills the nanometric scale holes, ensuring a more efficient load extraction. It’s not just about materials. The Chinese company has also redesigned the structure of the crystalline silicon, making the frontal surface more rough to facilitate the adhesion of the Perovskita and maintaining a standard texture in the rear to optimize the capture of infrared light. This texturing improves the absorption of light and, therefore, the efficiency of the panel. Achievement is not less. Apart from overcoming its own record, the Chinese company has overcome The so-called Shockley-Queisser limit. In other words, it has managed to exceed the maximum efficiency limit marked by 33.7% for a single union. However, tandem cells, which combine different materials such as Perovskita and silicon, can overcome this limit by taking advantage of a broader range of the solar spectrum from the theoretical aspect. For example, research has shown that tandem cells can achieve higher efficiencies 40%and theoretically, some configurations could reach up to 60% . Institutional support. Thanks to the participation of the universities project such as Suzhou and Hong Kong (HKPU), together with the Huaneng Clean Energy Research Institute, They have allowed A Longi perfects its silicon hetero -union technology and optimizing manufacturing processes, bringing Tandem technology to a more commercializable level. The next challenge. Longi has shown that the solar efficiency roof remains a mobile objective. However, he will now have this laboratory technology to the mass market. The durability of tandem cells, production costs and industrial scalability They will be key factors To determine if this record becomes a commercial standard or another technical advance without immediate practical application. Image | Pixabay Xataka | New record of efficiency of a solar panel thanks to the Perovskita. The “miraculous material” already exceeds the theoretical limit of conventional panels

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