black hole – Astronomy Now

Milky Way’s supermassive black hole shines in stunning first portrait

12 May 2022 Keith Cooper

The black hole in the centre of our Milky Way Galaxy has been imaged for the first time, showing a ring of gas encircling the event horizon, beyond which no light can escape.

Most distant quasar – and youngest supermassive black hole – identified

13 January 2021 Astronomy Now

Astronomers have discovered the youngest supermassive black hole to date, challenging theories about how such monsters grow.

Gravity waves herald merger of black hole and enigmatic companion

24 June 2020 Astronomy Now

Gravity waves indicate the merger of a massive black hole and a much less massive companion that may represent a new class of objects.

Most massive neutron star near black hole tipping point

18 September 2019 Astronomy Now

The most massive neutron star yet discovered appears to be at the tipping point defining the limits of mass versus gravity.

Simulations tackle black hole-accretion disc alignment

10 June 2019 Astronomy Now

Complex computer simulations confirm long-held belief that the inner regions of a spinning black hole’s accretion disc are aligned with the equator.

‘Virtual’ telescope captures first direct image of black hole

10 April 2019 Astronomy Now

For the first time, astronomers have captured a direct view of the environment just outside the event horizon of a supermassive black hole.

Intermediate mass black hole found near galactic centre

28 February 2019 Astronomy Now

Astronomers studying a swirling cloud of gas near the centre of the Milky Way have found what appears to be an intermediate mass black hole.

Astronomers debate an unprecedented “holy cow” outburst

13 January 2019 Astronomy Now

Astronomers are debating what triggered an explosion of light in a galaxy 200 million like years away that was 10 to 100 times brighter than a typical supernova.

Gravity waves marked birth of merged hypermassive neutron star

14 November 2018 Astronomy Now

Detailed analysis of gravitational wave data collected last year indicating the merger of two neutron stars shows the result was a single massive neutron star, not a black hole.

Astronomers ‘see’ aftermath of black hole lunching on doomed star

15 June 2018 Astronomy Now

For the first time, astronomers have directly witnessed the aftermath of a black hole consuming a nearby star, imaging the formation and expansion of a high-speed jet of material ejected in the maelstrom.