The first detection of direct collapse black holes is significant because it confirms the existence of a type of black hole that has long been theorized but never directly observed. This discovery provides valuable insight into the formation and evolution of these massive objects and helps to further our understanding of the universe.
These black holes were detected using the Very Large Telescope (VLT) in Chile. The VLT was able to observe a distant quasar, which showed evidence of a powerful outflow of gas that could only be explained by the presence of a direct collapse black hole.
A direct collapse black hole is a type of black hole that is thought to form from the collapse of a large gas cloud in the early universe. Unlike other types of black holes, which are formed from the death of a massive star, direct collapse black holes are formed from the collapse of gas without the formation of a star.
It is currently unknown how common direct collapse black holes are compared to other types of black holes. This is because they are difficult to detect and have only recently been observed for the first time. Further research and observations will be needed to determine their frequency in the universe.
This discovery of direct collapse black holes provides valuable insight into the formation and evolution of the early universe. It suggests that these massive objects were able to form much earlier in the universe's history than previously thought, and could have played a significant role in the growth of galaxies and the evolution of the universe as a whole.