The empty #bitcoin block is
hash:000000000000000000003d26acf0095a6c977b8da6918cc368098992d22e6f94
height: 813365
mined by antpool 5hours ago.
a bossible and likely but rare-case scenario is that during the mining process, an valid empty block template is being hashed by a mining entity.
1/3
Recently I heard someone speak on the topic. I believe it has something to do with that after you construct the block you have a slight advantage in speed (actually fractions of a second) and you can “propose” a new block (this time empty) and then if you happen to find it within a few seconds you get additional block reward (no fees though).
I’ll try to remember where did I see the videos. Something tells me it vas Jan Capek from Braiins on What Bitcoin Did podcast a few months back.
When miners are mining, they get a block template (a pre-determined block that only needs the right hash) from a central authority shoved down their throats. Or they can create one themselves.
When they find the right hash for this block, they will continue hashing, but with a different block template filled with the next pending transactions.
2/3
Yes, because a mining operation is a high intensity process, you need to keep them contstantly running on full power. Therefore, any moment that the new block template is not composed yet is a waste of energy. So during this time, miners hash with an empty template to still make those hashes potentially profitable.
3/3
Not that rare, all big miners/pools are doing it. Once they mine one block, they have a slight advantage over the other miners.
