Standard stellar-evolution models predict few black holes born directly between about 60 and 130 solar masses, yet GW231123 appeared to involve objects of roughly 137 and 103 solar masses. A new analysis argues that gravitational lensing magnified and distorted the signal, making the merger appear closer—and therefore intrinsically heavier—than it was. Under this still-unconfirmed interpretation, its combined mass falls from 190–265 to 100–180 Suns, making the system far less extreme.

Standard stellar-evolution models predict few black holes born directly between about 60 and 130 solar masses, yet GW231123 appeared to involve objects of roughly 137 and 103 solar masses. A new analysis argues that gravitational lensing magnified and distorted the signal, making the merger appear closer—and therefore intrinsically heavier—than it was. Under this still-unconfirmed interpretation, its combined mass falls from 190–265 to 100–180 Suns, making the system far less extreme.

A peer-reviewed lensing analysis could reduce GW231123’s inferred total mass from 190–265 to 100–180 solar masses. The signal is a compelling candidate, but gravitational-wave lensing remains unconfirmed.