Rob

Black holes have always been a widely debated topic, as it is unknown where they lead and they are difficult to find. Black holes are formed when an aging star collapses into itself. If a massive star undergoes a supernova explosion a massive burned out remnant with no forces to oppose it will collapse into itself. Another way that black holes can be formed is if two neutron stars collide.A black hole's gravitational force is so strong that it's mass is gigantic and it is extremely condensed. With the matter in the black hole so condensed it's gravitational pull becomes ineffably strong. Black holes have something called an event horizon, the event horizon is the point where the black holes gravity comes into affect.Once an object is within the black holes event horizon it will never escape. Even light can never escape a black hole. Black holes are difficult to find, but there is a method that scientists can use. When matter is pulled towards a black hole, the matter heats up and [|ionizes]. When the atoms ionize they give off [|x-rays]. Scientist are able to find the x-rays thus locating the black hole. Another way that black holes can be found is if there is a large concentrated mass within a small volume. In a recent review by Kormendy and Richstone eight galaxies were found with such massive dark objects in their centers. Each of them with a mass ranging from one million to several billion times the mass of the sun.

There is much debate as to where a black hole leads. Hollywood has supported the myth that black holes act as wormholes to another part of the universe. That theory is that two parts of a black hole are connected by a passageway that could be used to travel to different points in the universe very quickly.Of course it is very difficult to find out what would happen to someone who falls into a black hole. We would not be able to observe someone because the black hole traps all light. In my opinion the wormhole theory is false. If black holes were really wormholes then we would likely see debris coming from the other side of the passageway.

Black holes will continue to be a strange mystery to us, but hopefully you know a little more about them.



To learn moreabout black holes : [|Hubble site]