A different take on the M87 black hole

In summary, the M87 black hole is a supermassive black hole located in the center of the galaxy Messier 87, approximately 55 million light years away from Earth. The image of this black hole was captured by the Event Horizon Telescope using a technique called Very Long Baseline Interferometry. This new perspective is the first time we are seeing the event horizon of a black hole directly, providing direct evidence of its existence. The image can help us better understand the behavior of black holes, the formation and evolution of galaxies, and further supports Einstein's theory of general relativity.
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DrClaude
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From Randall Munroe (http://xkcd.com). It left me speechless.

m87_black_hole_size_comparison.png
 
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Very cool comparison. Thanks for posting.
 
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FAQ: A different take on the M87 black hole

What is the M87 black hole?

The M87 black hole is a supermassive black hole located in the center of the M87 galaxy, about 53 million light years away from Earth. It has a mass equivalent to 6.5 billion suns and is surrounded by a disk of hot gas and dust.

How is this new take on the M87 black hole different?

This new take on the M87 black hole is different because it uses a new imaging technique called "polarimetry" to capture the polarization of light around the black hole. This allows scientists to study the magnetic fields and plasma surrounding the black hole, providing new insights into its behavior.

What are the implications of this new take on the M87 black hole?

This new take on the M87 black hole has significant implications for our understanding of black holes and the universe. By studying the magnetic fields and plasma around the black hole, scientists can gain a better understanding of how black holes form, evolve, and interact with their surroundings.

How does this new take on the M87 black hole contribute to the field of astrophysics?

This new take on the M87 black hole contributes to the field of astrophysics by providing new data and insights into the behavior of black holes. It also helps to validate and improve existing theories about black holes and their role in the universe.

What are the next steps for studying the M87 black hole?

The next steps for studying the M87 black hole include continuing to analyze the data collected from the polarimetry imaging, as well as using other techniques to study the black hole, such as spectroscopy and gravitational wave detection. Scientists also hope to apply this new imaging technique to other black holes in the future.

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