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LB-1 is a binary star which some analysis suggested includes a stellar-mass black hole larger than thought possible, though other observations and analysis suggest otherwise. The visible star is a B-type star, and based upon the characteristics of such stars and their brightness and the implied distance, its mass and radial velocity measurements through spectrography imply an orbit with some unseen massive object, such as a quiet black hole. Gaia measurement of its distance (by parallax) suggests it is much closer, and alternative theories that are consistent with the Gaia-determined distance have been investigated. Clear characteristics:
Based upon the black hole theory:
An early Gaia distance determination was 2.14 kpc, which implied not enough mass to suggest a stellar black hole and Gaia's later DR3 parallax determination of around 0.359 implies a distance of about 2.79 kpc. Theories have been developed in which one or both the stars together produce LB-1's spectral features, one such theory suggesting inclusion of a Be star.
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