Black Holes in Space

Understanding Black Holes

Black holes in space are concentrated areas of mass with a gravitational pull so intense that even light cannot escape them. We know black holes exist not because we can see them, but because of the impact they have on the space around them.(1) The edge of a black hole is known as the event horizon. Light inside the event horizon cannot be seen by mankind or any outside observer. The mass of a black hole is concentrated at a single point at its center called its singularity. When something comes in contact with the event horizon, it will be there for only an instant before plunging inward toward the singularity.

The Origin of Black Holes

Black holes form when a massive star runs out of nuclear fuel. Once the fuel is burned, the star cannot support its weight and the core of the star collapses.(2) In other words, black holes are really just the evolutionary end point of massive stars at least 10-15 times as massive as our own sun.(3) Our solar system’s galaxy, the Milky Way, may contain millions of black holes.

An Idea Takes Hold

“In 1911, prior to publication of his general theory of relativity, Albert Einstein proposed the idea that light from another star could be affected by the sun.”(4) Eight years later, Arthur Eddington confirmed this during a solar eclipse, an environment in which the deflection of stars' rays could be observed. “Once the idea of gravity affecting light is accepted, theorizing about black holes becomes a little less complicated.” (5) Building on the ideas of Einstein, scientists continue to offer theories on black holes. Because information is still scarce, black holes in space remain a source of constant intrigue.(1)

Jason Hammond, Dynetics

Sources

1.  http://www.space.com/blackholes/
2. World Book Online Reference Center. 2004. World Book, Inc. http://www.worldbookonline.com/wb/Article?id=ar062594
3. http://imagine.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/science/know_l2/black_holes.html
4. http://www.suite101.com/content/understanding-black-holes-in-space-a262436

 

 

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