, we ran computer simulations based on the evidence we have from the early universe. We figured out that the energy to stop stars forming and instead create black holes could come via dark matter haloes around galaxies.Dark matter is the most abundant form of matter in the universe, it makes up about 80 per cent or more of what exists. Galaxies are surrounded or cradled by haloes of dark matter, the galaxy is like the baby in the middle.
We calculated that this energy could account for the formation of massive black holes during this early phase of the universe.I’d really love to look more now at small galaxies that haven’t changed much since those early days. Technology is advancing such that we can see these small, ancient galaxies with telescopes, and we are also able to create more granular and robust simulations.