Black holes are not just mysterious cosmic objects; they are also voracious eaters, consuming anything that gets too close—including each other. Recent observations have revealed that black holes can merge with one another, growing larger and setting off a fascinating cycle of cosmic cannibalism.
Gravitational Waves Reveal Black Hole Mergers
In late 2024, astronomers detected two significant gravitational wave events. These waves were the result of second-generation black holes merging. When two black holes collide, they create a much more massive black hole. What’s truly intriguing is that these newly formed giants don’t stop there—they continue to roam the universe and often find new black holes to consume. 
The Endless Cycle of Black Hole Growth
This process leads to an ongoing cycle, with black holes repeatedly merging and increasing in mass. Each collision sends ripples—gravitational waves—through space, providing scientists with valuable data about these extraordinary events. The more we observe, the more we understand how black holes shape the evolution of the universe.
Sources:
Universe Today: When Black Holes Eat Their Own
