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Finnish researchers captured the first image of two black holes orbiting each other, a result they say offers definitive proof that such pairs exist, according to an October 9 Astrophysical Journal study. Using radio data from Earth and space, including the RadioAstron satellite, they resolved twin jets inside quasar OJ287, about 5 billion light-years away, whose giants complete a 12-year dance. The primary is roughly 18 billion times the sun’s mass; its partner about 150 million times the sun’s size. Scientists note jet overlap remains possible and higher-resolution images would clinch the second hole.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.