Enough water to fill trillions of Earth's oceans found circling a black hole

Astronomers have discovered a vast reservoir of water vapor surrounding a quasar, APM 08279+5255, located over 12 billion light-years away. This reservoir contains approximately 140 trillion times the amount of water found in Earth's oceans and is situated near a supermassive black hole that is 20 billion times more massive than the sun. The quasar emits energy equivalent to a thousand trillion suns, creating a unique environment that allows for the presence of water vapor and other molecules. The discovery, led by Matt Bradford from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, highlights the pervasive nature of water in the universe, even in its early stages. The water vapor exists in a region spanning hundreds of light-years, with conditions that are warmer and denser than typical intergalactic spaces. This finding suggests that the quasar's radiation keeps the surrounding gas relatively warm, potentially feeding the black hole and influencing star formation. The research, which began in 2008, utilized advanced telescopes and instruments to confirm the presence of water vapor. This discovery not only enhances our understanding of cosmic conditions billions of years ago but also indicates that the building blocks of life may have existed much earlier in the universe's history.

- A vast water reservoir has been found around a quasar 12 billion light-years away.

- The reservoir contains 140 trillion times the water of Earth's oceans.

- The quasar emits energy equivalent to a thousand trillion suns.

- The discovery suggests water's presence in the early universe and its role in star formation.

- Research utilized advanced telescopes and instruments over several years.