What are supermassive black holes? Everything you need to know – and what astronomers are still learning – about these mysterious objects

Supermassive black holes, found at the centers of most galaxies, including our Milky Way, are fascinating celestial objects that scientists are still trying to fully understand. These behemoths can have masses millions to billions of times that of our Sun and influence the dynamics of galaxies. While astronomers have gathered substantial evidence about their existence and behavior, many questions remain regarding their formation and the mechanisms that govern their immense gravitational pull. Understanding these enigmatic entities is crucial for piecing together the broader puzzle of cosmic evolution and the structure of the universe.