The Undiscovered: Black Holes
Visiting In A Solar System Near You
Definition
Black Hole: An area of space-time with a gravitational field so intense that its escape velocity is equal to or exceeds the speed of light.
Details
On the outside of a black hole, there is a section called the outer horizon. If you were to go through this section of the black hole, you could escape, but only if you were traveling very fast. The next section in is the inner horizon. If you traveled through here, you couldn't escape, even if you were light. Finally, the core is called the singularity. If you traveled through here, you would make history, because it is impossible to survive up to there.
How Does A Black Hole Have Such Strong Gravitational Pull?
First, to become a black hole, a star needs to run out of light. When this happens, the star explodes. The outer layers of the star fly out into space. The inner layers are pulled back in by the core, which makes the star collapse and become more dense. This makes it have such a strong gravity, that it can affect space time.
Five Fun Facts
- Black Holes are actually invisible; you can only see the middle.
- They can be millions of times bigger than the sun.
- Mini Black Holes are so small, you can't see them with the human eye.
- The most powerful black holes are at the center of galaxies.
- The nearest supermassive black hole is about 30,000 light years away.
How Can We Have Discovered Black Holes Without Having Experienced Them Firsthand?
To do this, we will talk to a world renowned scientist.
Mr. Imnot A. Scientist
Hello, my name is Imnot A. Scientist, and i'm going to answer this question. The way that this works, is that discs filled with gas are flown into space towards black holes. When they enter one, they can't just be sucked in directly. It instead will rotate around it. The gas in it will also help it keep rotating. This way, us scientists can take pictures and videos of what's happening.
Quiz
Part 1: T Or F
T Or F: A Star Turns Into A Black Hole By Running Out Of Light.
T Or F: The Nearest Supermassive Black Hole Is 30 Light Years Away.
T Or F: You Can't See A Mini Black Hole With The Human Eye.
Part 2: Multiple Choice
How Many Times Bigger Can A Black Hole Be Than The Sun?
A. Hundreds
B. Billions
C. Millions
D. Thousands
What Color Are Black Holes?
A. White
B. Black
C. Clear
D. Blue
What Is The Core Of A Black Hole Called?
A. Central Horizon
B. Outer Horizon
C. Inner Horizon
D. Singularity
When Discs Are Flown Into Space To Study Black Holes, What Is The Substance That It Is Filled With?
Sources
"Amazing Space: On Black Holes." Amazing Space: On Black Holes. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 May 2013.
"Black Holes." Newton's Apple : Video Clip. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 May 2013.