【新华社】“天关”卫星捕捉到黑洞“进食”现场

Core Viewpoint - The "Tian Guan" satellite has captured an exceptionally bright and rapidly changing X-ray source, designated EP250702a, which is believed to be a medium-mass black hole tearing apart and consuming a white dwarf star, marking a significant discovery in astronomical observations [2][3]. Group 1 - The event EP250702a, also referred to as GRB 250702B due to its gamma-ray burst, exhibits brightness variations and spectral characteristics that are significantly different from any previously known events [2]. - The discovery was made on July 2, 2025, during routine observations by the wide-field X-ray telescope WXT, nicknamed "Wan Xing Tong" [2]. - The phenomenon is likened to rare black hole stellar disruption events, suggesting a coherent physical model where a medium-mass black hole, with a mass between hundreds to hundreds of thousands of solar masses, can effectively tear apart a dense white dwarf star [3]. Group 2 - The extreme energy release and rapid evolution observed in EP250702a align perfectly with the expected outcomes of a medium-mass black hole consuming a white dwarf, supported by the characteristics of short time scales and high peak luminosity [3]. - The mission of the "Tian Guan" satellite is to capture unpredictable extreme transient phenomena in the universe, showcasing China's contributions to global astronomical exploration [3]. - The discovery of EP250702a highlights the unique monitoring capabilities of the "Wan Xing Tong" telescope, demonstrating the ability to capture extreme cosmic moments [3].