Another implication of the research and according to the researchers one of the most exciting is the increased likelihood of the phenomenon known as gravitational radiation.

"Such emission has been predicted by Einstein's General Theory of Relativity, but has never been observed," said Spitler. "It is theorised that when stars spiral quickly around a black hole the motion will create gravitational waves causing ripples in the space-time continuum."

The Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) a suite of three satellites spaced five million kilometres apart and planned for launch in 2018 is being designed to search for such ripples as they pass through our solar system.