Researchers at Stony Brook University have made significant strides in understanding black holes, contributing to a global study that celebrates the tenth anniversary of the first direct detection of gravitational waves. Will Farr, an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, and graduate student Nicole Khusid were part of a collaborative effort that utilized the loudest black hole merger detected to date to confirm theoretical predictions about black hole spacetimes.
On September 10, 2025, findings from this research were published in Physical Review Letters, revealing insights into the behavior of black holes and the nature of space-time. The analysis was conducted by researchers within the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA collaboration, which includes the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO), the Virgo Interferometer, and the Kamioka Gravitational Wave Detector (KAGRA).
Key Discoveries from Black Hole Collisions
The recent analysis highlighted how a 34 solar mass black hole merged with a 32 solar mass black hole, resulting in a new black hole weighing 63 solar masses, roughly the size of Long Island. This merger produced gravitational waves that scientists studied to gain a clearer understanding of black hole properties.
Farr emphasized the importance of these observations, stating, “Observing the gravitational waves emitted by these black holes is our best hope for learning about the properties of the extreme spacetimes they produce.” The research confirms the theoretical framework established by noted physicists such as Albert Einstein, Stephen Hawking, and Roy Kerr.
Khusid played a pivotal role by developing computer codes that provided early analysis, helping the team recognize the significance of the event. Her efforts contributed to some of the clearest measurements of a black hole merger ever obtained by LIGO.
The Future of Gravitational Wave Research
As the researchers examined the early phases of the collision, they measured the area of the progenitor black holes’ horizons and, subsequently, the remnant black hole’s horizon. These measurements support Hawking’s theory, which posits that the area of the remnant must exceed the sum of the progenitor areas, a hypothesis confirmed with high statistical significance.
In a recent collaboration-wide meeting, Khusid shared preliminary analyses that generated considerable interest among her peers. “With this event alone, we’ve performed some of the strongest tests of our understanding of gravity and black holes!” she remarked.
According to Barry Barish, Nobel laureate and President’s Distinguished Endowed Chair in Physics at Stony Brook, improvements in LIGO’s sensitivity allow for unprecedented observations of the universe. “We now observe new events weekly, enabling exciting, detailed studies of black holes,” said Barish, who was instrumental in the initial construction of LIGO.
As gravitational wave detection technology continues to advance, researchers anticipate that future black hole mergers will further uncover the mysteries surrounding these cosmic entities. In the coming decade, advancements in detector sensitivity are expected to enhance observations by a factor of ten, paving the way for more rigorous tests of black hole characteristics.
Through collaborative efforts, researchers remain committed to exploring the complexities of black holes and gravitational waves, ultimately enhancing our understanding of the universe.
Stony Brook University stands out as a leading institution in this field, dedicated to addressing pressing global challenges through innovative research and education.
