What does this research mean for the field?

Objects within the revised mass gap of 4.26–9.20 M☉ are statistically distinct from true black holes in spin, total mass, and mass ratio, providing circumstantial evidence for CCEGA ultracompact objects. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.INCREMENTAL. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

This research reexamines the mass classifications of gravitational wave events in relation to ultracompact objects.

April 10, 2026Open Access

P41 v1.2: The GWTC-4.0 "Mass Gap" as Evidence for CCEGA Ultracompact Objects

Key Points

This research reexamines the mass classifications of gravitational wave events in relation to ultracompact objects.
Updated maximum mass threshold to 4.26 ± 0.04 M☉ across six equations of state.
Reclassified GWTC-4.0 O4a events based on new intermediate regime boundaries.
Applied Mann-Whitney U test for statistical comparisons between mass groupings.
GW190814's classification was changed, now below the new maximum mass boundary.
GW230529 is considered marginal or borderline within the updated classification.
Statistical significance found in differentiating intermediate objects from true black holes (p<0.0001).

Abstract

REVISED VERSION: Updated with corrected Mₘax = 4. 26 ± 0. 04 M☉ (verified across six EOS in P29 v1. 4, P45, P34 v1. 1). Reclassifies GWTC-4. 0 O4a events with new intermediate regime boundaries 4. 26–9. 20 M☉. GW190814 (2. 59 M☉) no longer classified as intermediate (below new Mₘax boundary). GW230529 marginal/borderline. Maintains Mann-Whitney U test comparisons (p<0. 0001) distinguishing intermediate objects from true black holes in spin, total mass, mass ratio. Emphasizes: circumstantial evidence, not confirmation. Definitive tests: NICER tidal deformability (2029), Einstein Telescope echoes (2035+).

P41 v1.2: The GWTC-4.0 "Mass Gap" as Evidence for CCEGA Ultracompact Objects

Key Points

Abstract

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