Closest Known Black Hole to Earth Spotted by Astronomers

An artist's impression of the closest black hole to Earth and its sun-like companion star are shown in this illustration provided by NOIRLab in November 2022. International Gemini Observatory/NOIRLab/NSF/AURA/J. da Silva/Spaceengine/M. Zamani

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla.—Astronomers have discovered the closest known black hole to Earth, just 1,600 light-years away.

Scientists reported Friday that this black hole is 10 times more massive than our sun. And it’s three times closer than the previous record-holder.