Hidden Black Holes: Scientists Uncover Thousands More Than Expected in Galaxies

• New research reveals significantly more active black holes in small galaxies than previously thought, challenging old theories.
• Scientists from Harvard and Smithsonian used optical, infrared, and X-ray data to detect black holes obscured by starlight.
• The number of active black holes in dwarf galaxies is 2 to 5 times higher than earlier estimates, now 20-50 per 1000 galaxies.
• Medium-sized galaxies like the Milky Way show a significant surge in black hole activity, with 16-27% containing active black holes.
• This discovery aids understanding of black hole formation, growth, and their role in galaxy evolution, suggesting the Milky Way formed from merging small galaxies.

Why It Matters: Thousands of previously hidden black holes discovered in galaxies, reshaping our understanding of cosmic evolution.