The Most Massive Black Hole Merger is 'Impossible'

This video is sponsored by Blinkist. The first 100 people to go to www.blinkist.com/launchpad are going to get unlimited access for 1 week to try it out. You'll also get 25% off the full membership!
The most massive Black Hole merger is 'Impossible', but it happened anyway. Two black holes, with masses 85 and 66 times the Sun, merged into an intermediate mass black hole 142 solar masses designated GW190521. The merger was detected by the LIGO-Virgo gravitational wave collaboration. This black hole merger is considered to be "impossible" because at least one of the two black holes that merged couldn't have formed in a supernova. Instead, they belong in the "pair instability mass gap" of black holes and must have merged in a prior generation in a cluster or perhaps in a quasar's accretion disk.
00:00 Start
05:07 the GW190521 signal
09:11 the black hole mass gap problem
11:38 Solutions to mass gap problem
14:08 Alternative scenarios
16:27 Future detections
17:45 Blinkist
19:40 Patreon thanks
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🧭 References:
LIGO Science Release:
GW190521: A Binary Black Hole Merger with a Total Mass of 150 Msun (published in Physical Review Letters): journals.aps.org/prl/abstract...
Properties and astrophysical implications of the 150 Msun binary black hole merger GW190521: iopscience.iop.org/article/10...
GW190521 parameter estimation samples and figure data dcc.ligo.org/LIGO-P2000158/pu...
A Candidate Electromagnetic Counterpart to the Binary Black Hole Merger Gravitational Wave Event S190521g. Graham et al 2020: arxiv.org/abs/2006.14122
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📭 c/o Christian Ready
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Westminster, MD 21158
United States
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• Solar Orbiter Discover...
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[@LaunchPadAstronomy]

🔴 The first 100 people to go to blinkist.com/launchpad will get unlimited access for 7 days to try it out. You'll also get 25% off the full membership!

[@AayushLamsal]

Is it free for a month

[@alexispryde5415]

you know i find it extremely funny how all of the scietific community is willing to put a cap on size in relation to objects including black holes. the idea of an object that is a voied swallowing other mass should tell you that it is not subject to the precieved limits placed on it by man. you know they used to teach that . now the scietific community is nothing but closed minds and no imagination it is no shock they have not advanced humanity in decades as a whole. where once stood a collection of minds that created countless things now sits a room of people simply hording information and passing opinion as rules.

[@WadcaWymiaru]

U made a HUGE MISTAKE in the TWO points...

[@waralo191]

And? has there been a new flare?

[@terrylandess6072]

@@waralo191 Same. When I realized the video date and the prediction possibility - I scrolled down here to see if there was some follow up.

[@dcuk893]

Now whenever I imagine 2 massive black holes colliding in space, I will always hear the increased pitch “Whop” sound

[@jimbobbyrnes]

with a water drop sound at the end

[@GinoNL]

Pff, this was clearly a “bwoop”

[@OzymandiasWasRight]

...I hear Yakety Sax. It kinda fits.

[@boilingsnowwater2121]

there would be a big bang sound.

[@t4rv0r60]

So much power, so weak noise

[@mikenorval6331]

The Universe doesn't seem to like the word "shouldn't".

[@LaunchPadAstronomy]

It's full of surprises, all right :)

[@freddan6fly]

“Space is big. You just won't believe how vastly, hugely, mind-bogglingly big it is. I mean, you may think it's a long way down the road to the chemist's, but that's just peanuts to space.” - Douglas Adams

[@electronresonator8882]

that "shouldn't" is product of human arrogancy, self proclaim to know everything while knowing next to none of what actually exist in the universe

[@Sutairn]

You shouldn't be smaller then the planck length you shouldn't go faster then light you shouldn't try and live off earth, the universe is awesome science is cruel.

[@Morganational]

Hahaha, well said.

[@Nickgaming2027]

*MOST POWERFUL OBJECTS IN THE UNIVERSE COLLIDE:* * bird noises *

[@r4ryder388]

Nice profile picture

[@Nickgaming2027]

@@r4ryder388 indeed

[@wehavetogoback369]

how can blackholes make bird noises if birds aren't real?

[@thebox4503]

@@wehavetogoback369 no birds are real, but pigeons are government drones

[@amolkumar6059]

VACCUM DOES NOT ALLOW SOUND TO PASS THROUGH IN SPACE

[@planescaped]

It still blows my mind how accurately Einstein predicted the nature of the universe and reality using maths nearly a century before tech was able to confirm any of it.

[@WoWhistorian]

Well, it does make sense when you think about it. Einstein was quite literally made from parts of the universe itself. I mean, sure, so is literally everyone and everything, but I'm trying to be profound here.

[@the_Googie]

@@WoWhistorian lmao what... i mean yeah, but being made up by the universe doesnt explain how Einstein knew all these theories a hundred years in advance. Its the fact that by simple logical approach and mathematics he simply figured out how things have to be if other things are true.

[@gkvscq]

Everything is math

[@niks660097]

@paulgarcher Einstein fields equations are a headache, it includes dividing same fields equation to 10 different equations with different component and then calculate curvature and null geodesics there is no gravity in relativity, i doubt you have done it..

[@alterego984]

We can’t confirm anything yet...

[@HappoApina]

"Black holes are the most violent and energetic objects in the universe!" Black holes: "Blub :3" 4:07

[@IAmNumber4000]

4:06 TIL the sound of two black holes colliding with one another is "zoop"

[@anthonygarcia5375]

Can we simulate how it would sound say at the minimum wage distance away from the event?

[@sagarj5743]

This is highly underrated channel. The explanation is eloquent while being sufficiently detailed. Helps people like me who are in for curiosity and interest and lagi proper education to understand minute details.

[@LaunchPadAstronomy]

Thanks!

[@sagarj5743]

*lack

[@picassoboy52]

How do you know it's underrated? You have no idea who appreciates it

[@guyincognito1406]

Underrated by algorithm, should get far more exposure imo.

[@comodojoe59]

Listening to those audio representations of these incredible events is something we are truly privileged to hear.

[@Ulvetann]

I never thought I would ever hear black holes merge. It is sort of beyond my reach, so to say.

[@MediHusky]

Especially considering how there's no sound in a vacuum.

[@z1mt0n1x2]

@@MediHusky it isnt. they just converted the image to sound and stated that this is not what it actually sound like, its just another perspective. but, people likes to hear/read what the want...

[@MediHusky]

@@z1mt0n1x2 the joke went so far over your head it's in low earth orbit.

[@z1mt0n1x2]

@@MediHusky hahaha

[@Cross1nsan1ty]

4:08 "Here's the gravitational waves played at their natural pitch." *Ad with Scottish bagpipes music blaring plays a second later before the recording* Thanks youtube, i really needed this right now 😒

[@BytebroUK]

Ad-block Plus or similar are your friends. I never see 'em!

[@thenasadude6878]

This is like a mini lecture, or a short documentary. Very comprehensive, and as always very well done

[@LaunchPadAstronomy]

Wow, thank you!

[@ResurrectingJiriki]

@@LaunchPadAstronomy I find it amazing how you can speak of theoretical bunk like this and make it sound it's actually real. That is indeed well done.

[@LaunchPadAstronomy]

@@ResurrectingJiriki now, now, let us be kind to each other.

[@ResurrectingJiriki]

@@LaunchPadAstronomy Oh yeah sure I'm all for that, but willful ignorance is just that. Willful ignorance. And not calling that out is reprehensible. That being said, putting the ball back into your court, how is it kind to keep your audience in the dark about the science facts vs science theory, when it comes to black holes and the demonstrable flaws in the theory. Pun fully intended.

[@Tanka036]

@@ResurrectingJiriki I mean, if you wanna overturn one of the most well supported theories in physics, go ahead. I would love to read the paper that disproves the theory of relativity, special or general. But proclaiming that black holes and curved space-time don't exist is rather presumptuous to say the least if your are not to put forth a better explanation of the observed phenomena.

[@drivewayhero]

Carl Sagan had a bit where he went “wooooooop gaahhhh”, he was mimicking a whale song, little did he know he was actually perfectly sounding a black hole merger.

[@Icza]

That's some mind bending fascinating stuff haha I love it. It's always down the rabbit hole in your videos and I come out realizing how much is going on out there that I have no idea about.

[@PaulPeck]

Wow Christian! Great video man!🔥👍

[@LaunchPadAstronomy]

Wow, thanks man, I appreciate it!

[@t3hjnz]

I saw this announcement over the weekend, was planning to do some research myself, and so was pleasantly surprised to see your video pop up in my feed this morning. Thanks for putting this together so quickly, and for your thorough, cogent explanation of the data / phenomenon they appear to describe. Really enjoyed this.

[@sanketpatil6711]

You really enlighten us with the most complex terms and information with a very simple manner!! It becomes easy to understand! Thanks for making such quality content!

[@JoeyFaller]

14:19 but when you repeat several measurements, 1% becomes high, because you expect eventually you should see such a merger. It would be unlikely after enough time that we don't see something which by itself is unlikely

[@ajhproductions2347]

Looks like popular mechanics was trying to beat you to breaking this story. Their article came out literally in the same 10 mins as your video. I prefer yours, more entertaining, educational, and peaceful. Thanks Christian! Cheers

[@LaunchPadAstronomy]

You're very kind. Thanks!

[@nagualdesign]

The event was described in 2 papers published on the 2nd of September by R. Abbott et al. In other words, the people who 'break' stories like this are the scientists themselves. Everyone else is simply reporting what the scientists publish.

[@louiscorprew7970]

Awesome content and wonderfully presented! Thank you for creating this channel 🙂

[@SnaFubar_24]

I live relatively close to Ligo Livingston and when things settle down from C-19 I want to visit this awesome instrument.

[@Jabbaholl]

another great upload. Not only friendly< interesting and informative too with an infectious enthusiasm and a simplified way of explaining for us less informed!!

[@LaunchPadAstronomy]

Thank you so much!

[@SlimThrull]

Yup. That's about how I imagined black hole mergers would sound.

[@SquirrelASMR]

My favorite space channel. You explain things so clearly and keep things interesting and detailed with all extra research you put in compared to other channels.

[@menciusmoldbug4255]

Check out SFIA with Isaac Arthur. Absolutely fantastic channel

[@pepsimax2001]

Putting the ad at the end... THANKYOU for not interrupting my train of thought while trying to grasp something like this.

[@FelicianaDelacruz]

A great video Christian thank you for the great video and explanations. The universe is full of surprises that don't conform to our thinking or theories. I find Black Holes and their related subjects incredibly fascinating. Thanks again for the informative video.

[@KentheDeer]

So interesting! Thanks for another informative video, Mr. Ready. You explain things so concisely and understandably.

[@LaunchPadAstronomy]

Thank you so much, I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it!

[@pansepot1490]

Great video, thanks. I am in Italy and I have heard of Virgo decades ago, when I was a kid. Glad to know that finally it’s been put to work and it’s earning its keep. 😁😂

[@pianoman7753]

Fantastic, personable presentation style. Looking forward to more!

[@LaunchPadAstronomy]

Thanks!

[@katiekawaii]

The writing and delivery of this is masterful. Excellent video.

[@Zorlof]

Wow, first time I hear such detail in a KZbin astronomy presentation. Thank you.

[@LaunchPadAstronomy]

Wow, thanks!

[@sidewind131258]

You are as of now the most pleasent newscaster I have heard, you don't talk a mile a minute, don't jump around like a cangaroo. If this is the same for the other videos you have made, you have a new subscriber. Oh and the subject in it self also was interesting, and yet posed more questions than answers for me. Keep up the good work

[@LaunchPadAstronomy]

Thank you very, very much for those kind words!

[@existenceispainforameeseeks]

this is by far the BEST video i have ever seen on this incredible topic.

[@LaunchPadAstronomy]

Wow, thanks!

[@jamesfanning6129]

thank you Doctor. I really enjoy your videos. Best astronomy/astrophysics one out here.

[@LaunchPadAstronomy]

You're very kind, thank you.

[@will2see]

This is the best astronomy/astrophysics channel on YT. Period.

[@bethechange2024]

I am avid reader every day and will never be able to read the number on my list, especially in my fields of work. I was intrigued to review Blinkist, a site which you brought to my attention last week, and can say that I am now a yearly paid subscriber through the embedded link here. Additionally I have passed on a recommendation this weekend to two friends based on their interests. Thank you again for the brilliantly detailed and engaging videos you produce and I look forward to all forthcoming productions!! With my best regards, Andrew Waldie.

[@jondough76]

Another fantastic video! Keep up the good work!

[@LaunchPadAstronomy]

Thanks!

[@smoorej]

This is an incredibly clear explanation of a very complex topic. Extremely well done, amazing visuals, absolutely brilliant.

[@LaunchPadAstronomy]

Thanks!

[@badmonkey3866]

Hands down one of the best channels on the subject of astrophysics. You explain how things work in details for the everyone to understand. Very direct, no assuming, and admitting that things can go one way or another. We at an age where the world's science departments are creating ground breaking machinery. I for one am excited to hear this, the possibilities are in fact endless. Amazing channel, thanks for your hard work!

[@LaunchPadAstronomy]

Wow, thank you so much for the kind words!

[@WilliamsWrestlin]

I'm loving this emergence of space related channels coming on my recommendation feed. My head has always been in space.

[@sergusy7005]

Hi Christian. Great video, and excellent explanation. 👍🏻

[@LaunchPadAstronomy]

Thanks man, I appreciate it :)

[@mrwinterhd5202]

It’s so chill but very interesting to watch your videos

[@learnwithbaqir1766]

Amazing information... great work

[@Manusmusic]

thank you for the interesting and informative channel!

[@LaunchPadAstronomy]

So nice of you to say, thanks!

[@GinoNL]

The thought “damn, that’s scary. But awesome!” comes present nearly each time I watch a universe-related video.

[@thomasgeorgecastleberry6918]

Amazing! You cleared up a lot of misunderstandings.

[@jeremy1350]

After everyone else gave us their spin on this, You hit the ball out of the park. Thanks Christian.

[@LaunchPadAstronomy]

Wow, thank you Jeremy. There are some good videos out there on the subject, I'm glad you liked it!

[@Everynamestaken69]

I agree 100%. I typically watch many similar channels to this and his are my new favorite. I’m a new subscriber I’m glad I found this channel!

[@mrapollo13]

I can't believe two black holes colliding would be the cutest noise I've ever heard lmao

[@afg420007]

very fine explanation of most complicated subject...thank prof.

[@MisterTee2010]

Next to trains. Space has always fascinated me. Great video. Thank you for sharing.

[@LaunchPadAstronomy]

My pleasure. Trains are cool, too.

[@TuNguyen-vu1cg]

Finally they have confirmed the eccentric hyppothesis. Thank you so much for your video

[@joeamerican7035]

I really enjoy your channel. Thank You.

[@LaunchPadAstronomy]

Thanks!

[@HistoryGypsy]

great work, thanks a tonne!

[@WilliamGilbert_KSP_Player]

This is a criminally underrated channel. Great work, Christian.

[@LaunchPadAstronomy]

Thank you very much! At least I'm not overrated :)

[@ScullysHouseofThrillers]

This is totally mind blowing.

[@chippysteve4524]

Thanks for another brilliant video Christian. Your explanations and presentation are top knotch,helping mere mortals to get their heads around just how fast our knowledge of the seemingly expanding Universe is itself expanding. Perhaps the Universe needs to expand thusly in order to accommodate our rapidly expanding consciousness and all those extra data storage servers we'll need :-)

[@LaunchPadAstronomy]

Thank you so much!

[@kagannasuhbeyoglu]

Wonderful content. Thanks a lot Launch pad Astronomy 👏 👍

[@jerrypolverino6025]

Thank you for another informative science video.

[@rad.man.1]

Those people should get a Nobel price just for figuring out how to measure those tiniest of scales.

[@usptact]

Very interesting and packed video on black holes! Fascinating!

[@LaunchPadAstronomy]

Thank you so much, I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@7STB7]

Wow, very informative! Thanks, Christian! Greetings from Germany! - Stevie

[@LaunchPadAstronomy]

Thanks Stevie!

[@Superstorm50]

The universe never ceases to blow our mind 🤯🤯🤯🤯

[@reason5591]

@Launch Pad Astronomy Hello Christian! I just found your channel through You Tube recommendation. Sometimes they get me correctly, and this was definitely one of those times 😄. I subscribed 😉

[@LaunchPadAstronomy]

Thanks, and I'm glad to have you along for the ride!

[@ChannelSwimmingScientist]

Great presentation

[@jtg2525]

Instantly thumbs up, then greatly enjoyed the video!

[@mugwump7049]

I was puzzled by the missing 9 solar masses. Glad you addressed that. Anton Petrov didn't.

[@aviationdreamer5878]

Thank you sir!

[@LaunchPadAstronomy]

You bet!

[@Imponderabilia995]

So interesting and visually pleasing!

[@LaunchPadAstronomy]

I’m glad you enjoyed it.

[@simonstebbins3838]

Very clear explanations. Thanks. :)

[@LaunchPadAstronomy]

Glad you liked it

[@Ulvetann]

Awesome and inspiring video. Now to the task of stopping black holes: Challenge accepted.

[@DoctaOsiris]

14:20 it might not be likely but that absolutely doesn't rule it out either... 🤦‍♂️💥 🤣

[@AwashimaSeriLieutenant]

This video is so easy to understand 👌🏽

[@LaunchPadAstronomy]

Great, I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@HyzersGR]

Digging the Grateful Dead in the background! Looking forward to a video on Dark Stars 🌹💀🌹

[@elvest9]

What a great video. I accidentally found it via youtube recommendations.

[@cernunnos_lives]

This sound clip needs to be sampled in a song!!!!

[@squirmy9295]

Your voice is calming, kinda like the channel 'SEA' he also does space related stuff like this and is also really calming though he has a more storey style than just information. Not boring clam, but more like will calm me down if i feel like doing something really dumb or potentially harmful to myself.

[@LaunchPadAstronomy]

Thank you so much. SEA does wonderful work so I'm flattered to be compared to him. And please, never harm yourself. You're deserving of much better.

[@squirmy9295]

@@LaunchPadAstronomy I know, I tend to calm down before anything happens but some I don't but i haven't in almost a month or so thanks to my therapist.

[@mitchrosendale632]

Way over my head. I’ve watched multiple times and can’t wrap my mind around this stuff. Science is crazy

[@christopherwellman2364]

Don't worry about it. The scientists don't know what they're talking about, either.

[@dankuchar6821]

Ask a question and I can probably answer it for you and explain it in a way you can understand.

[@bobbyt223]

@@dankuchar6821 🤣

[@nilsp9426]

Gotta love it, when space goes BOOM BOOM

[@wangson]

Man...this was amazing! Absolutely captivating and I understood 99% of the material! Sometimes, when certain astronomers get into deep physics, I get completely lost. And you're a Deadhead?! Amazing! Is Dark Star about black holes, I wonder...thanks again, I'd subscribe again if I could....

[@pipertripp]

As we build up more data I think we'll start to get a handle on many of these puzzlers. It seems to me that right now we just don't have a great sense for how common many of these events are. With more detectors coming online and upgrades to existing systems allow us to explore a larger volume of space, we'll build up better statistics on these events. I'm very much looking forward to that happening.

[@LeePenn2492]

Very informative and interesting Dogs Bollocks as always Kris

[@dancingwiththedogsdj]

Whooop, whooop... There it is! 😂 Love the video and the channel... Maybe that should be the theme for LIGO?? 😉

[@LaunchPadAstronomy]

lol!

[@dancingwiththedogsdj]

@@LaunchPadAstronomy thank you! Now the task of getting that out of my head. 😵 After I crank up the song half a dozen times and make sure it's cemented in my brain. And I still haven't watched the new video on black holes I just saw posted. Ugh! Whooop...

[@LaunchPadAstronomy]

I didn't add any new woops in the new video :D

[@dancingwiththedogsdj]

@@LaunchPadAstronomy awww, shucks! I'll still love it... ❤️ You're awesome!

[@yawadrusdaniel6313]

Another Excellent Tutor, in Astronomy Sciences, Sir keep that teachings Up, Well Done Sir

[@LaunchPadAstronomy]

Thank you so much!

[@jansenart0]

"Most massive black hole merger EVER detected" is the same as "Most massive black hole merger detected in the PAST FIVE YEARS" They found one as soon as they turned the damn thing on. This stuff happens literally ALL THE TIME.

[@nagualdesign]

😆 Yes, it is a bit of a misnomer. A bit like a tabloid headline.

[@LoPhatKao]

well, we couldn't detect them without a detector... so technically 'ever' is 'since it was turned on'

[@Superstorm50]

That’s how astronomy works. In my opinion, that’s what makes astronomy the coolest science.

[@dirremoire]

Well, it shouldn’t be happening all the time. That’s become the problem with LIGO. I’m not sure the whole project even works

[@jansenart0]

@@dirremoire What's your PhD. in?

[@baroqueguitarist5673]

I always thought that the expansion of the universe is a reaction to more and more matter coming together to form larger black holes. The black holes push down and stretch space time and Without spacetime being able to bend further that stress ripples out causing space to expand. Like the harder you push on a ballon the more the air inside the ballon gets moved and causes stretching along the edges in response to pressure. I also thought it explains why galaxies don't come apart and dark matter.

[@VirtuelleWeltenMitKhan]

The sound is like a condenser microphone used as a room microphone. The production value is so high but the sound is like that. I would suggest a small dynamic mic which you can attach to your shirt.

[@grapeshot]

The intro and the musical score of the movie The Black Hole comes to mind.

[@LaunchPadAstronomy]

lol

[@onebeets]

Imagine buying 2 helicopters and flying them over the detectors at the same time

[@damnfk063]

I swear on my life I imagined that scenario too.. Glad to see I'm not aolne

[@bacicinvatteneaca]

Yeah, it's either the result of a previous merger, the result of the black hole feeding on some 50 M star or something similar, or a much bigger direct collapse black hole that radiated away half of its mass

[@512TheWolf512]

this is how much energy is needed to shake spacetime itself

[@tamblyn9484]

The lISA detector gives off the feeling of a new stage of technology and science. So cool.

[@jimmyshrimbe9361]

Wonderful video!

[@LaunchPadAstronomy]

Thank you!

[@williamnicholson8133]

Any time they say this is impossible when it comes to the universe there always an exception

[@larryjohnson2906]

Universe: has a cosmically catastrophic event. Noise generated: whooooop

[@felixreu6737]

Very well done and surely interesting. I hope i can remember this :)

[@LaunchPadAstronomy]

Thanks:)

[@felixreu6737]

@@LaunchPadAstronomy Youre Welcome :).

[@cheekiblin690]

The natural pitch of these mergers sounds like a bubble popping, which is both mystifying and terrifying that such masses can merge so quickly and carelessly. I never heard of an "ERG" unit, which makes it a little hard to understand just how much energy is being released during a merger, but if it has more energy than a quasar I know it's a MASSIVE amount of energy!

[@2numerodeux]

Funny... made me think of the interferometers we used at school... Just ours was about 50cm long xD, and it was already a pain in the ass to setup properly!

[@BlockBlazer]

Two black holes, two of the most intense monsters in the universe colliding. The noise: *blooooop*

[@oriondx72]

what you expect sounds doesnt travel in space!

[@thewizardtk]

Wait so those “blips” are the gravitational waves at the moment of collision? That’s so cool

[@insertyourfeelingshere8106]

I do see how it is mind bogglingly unlikely, but as long as the chances are greater then 0 it is possible

[@MichaelHarto]

"wooop.. noice"