🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 168 (from laksa159)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa168.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.cnet.com/science/space/breaking-down-the-mind-bending-milky-way-black-hole-image/\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.cnet.com/science/space/breaking-down-the-mind-bending-milky-way-black-hole-image/\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/science\/space\/breaking-down-the-mind-bending-milky-way-black-hole-image\/","crawl_time":1775465888,"first_indexed_time":1652444019,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,cnet!www,\/science\/space\/breaking-down-the-mind-bending-milky-way-black-hole-image\/ s443","src_root_hash":"2383275557131820768","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Breaking Down the Mind-Bending Milky Way Black Hole Image - CNET","meta_descriptions":["Here's why the first black hole images look like fiery doughnuts."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Here's why the first black hole images look like fiery doughnuts.\nMonisha Ravisetti was a science writer at CNET. She covered climate change, space rockets, mathematical puzzles, dinosaur bones, black holes, supernovas, and sometimes, the drama of philosophical thought experiments. \n\nPreviously, she was a science reporter with a startup publication called The Academic Times, and before that, was an immunology researcher at Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York. She graduated from New York University in 2018 with a B.A. in philosophy, physics and chemistry. \n\nWhen she's not at her desk, she's trying (and failing) to raise her online chess rating. Her favorite movies are Dunkirk and Marcel the Shell with Shoes On.\n6 min read\nIn 2019, astronomers\ncaptured a hidden piece of the universe\nfor us to download onto our computer screens. It was the first-ever image of a black hole -- and it revealed the violence of the space-borne beast. This chaotic void, dubbed M87*, spews out a jet of light and pierces straight through the galaxy it lives within. But to the untrained Earthling eye, it kind of looks like a Fruit Loop.\nOn May 12, the same crew of wide-eyed scientists managed to best themselves by piecing together yet another\nmind-bending image of a cosmic chasm.\nThough this time, it was of a \"quiet, quiescent\" black hole in our very own Milky Way galaxy called Sagittarius A*, or Sgr A*. Nonetheless, it also looks like a Fruit Loop, but perhaps one that's getting soggy.\nBoth images are remarkable achievements for the field of astronomy. They're arguably the most breathtaking pictures humanity has laid eyes on. And they look like blurry orange neck pillows -- or, as Feryal Özel, an astrophysicist from the University of Arizona and part of the Event Horizon Telescope Collaboration puts it, \"it seems that black holes like doughnuts.\" \nSo, what are we looking at, exactly? \"When we look at the heart of each black hole, we find a bright ring surrounding the black hole shadow,\" said Özel. \nBefore getting into the details, though, it's important to note both black hole images we see are not the kind of photographs we're used to day-to-day. They come from\nradio wave observations\n, which sort of work by detecting the intensity of light particles, or photons, in space, then translating those signals to visible patterns. Super intense photons are \"brighter,\" for instance.\nThis image shows the Atacama Large Millimeter\/submillimeter Array in Chile, part of the Event Horizon Telescope Collaboration, looking up at the Milky Way as well as the location of Sagittarius A*, the supermassive black hole at our galactic center. Highlighted in the box is the image of Sagittarius A* taken by the collaboration. \nESO\/José Francisco Salgado, EHT Collaboration\nBlack holes aren't really black holes\nA black hole is not exactly black, nor is it exactly a hole. \nRather, it's a complex entity with several moving parts, similar to humans having a bunch of biological body systems. But to understand the EHT's recent image of Sgr A*, you need to know three main aspects of black hole anatomy. \nFirst, there is the singularity. \nBlack holes are typically formed when ginormous stars collapse and all the former star matter turns into a single point. This point is referred to as \"singularity\" and has such immense mass -- from the dead star -- that its gravity overcomes anything and everything with the misfortune of treading too close. \nThat includes gas, dust and even light. In fact, the gravitational pull from this entity is so strong it literally warps the fabric of space and time. But, in both the M87* and Sgr A* images, this point is invisible to us. We have to imagine it, right at the center.\nAn illustration of a black hole's anatomy.\nESO\nSecond, there's the event horizon. \nThe event horizon is basically the boundary between our universe and the elusive insides of the void. It sits at a certain, very specific, distance from the singularity point called the Schwarzschild radius. Every black hole has one of these, and this is the bit that probably gives black holes their reputation of being \"black.\" \nAnything that falls beyond the event horizon gets caught in some concealed realm that appears to us as darkness because even light is trapped in there. Contents beyond the horizon cannot ever come back. We do not know what happens to them.\nIn the EHT images, this alternate reality-esque, spherical space between the singularity and event horizon is signified by the black circles. More specifically, though, the dark central parts are shadows of the event horizon. \n\"The shadow is the image of the event horizon, it's our line of sight into the black hole,\" said Michael Johnson, EHT member and astrophysicist at the Center for Astrophysics, Harvard Smithsonian. \nBut we'll get back to that. \nThird, and most importantly for the flaming doughnuts, there is the photon sphere. \nAll around the singularity and the event horizon, shrouds of hot gas and dust are trapped in an eternal orbit around these deafening abysses in what are called accretion disks. If anything from that disk falls within the\nSchwarzschild radius\n, aka beyond the event horizon, it's lost to the black hole universe. But light does something tricky here. And this gives us our black hole picture. \nUnlike gas or dust, light can sort of delicately tiptoe within the Schwarzschild radius without spiraling into the void. And if those photons travel in\njust\nthe right way, \"light escaping from the hot gas swirling around the black hole appears to us as the bright ring,\" Özel said. \"Light that is close enough to be swallowed by it eventually crosses its horizon and leaves behind just a dark void in the center.\"\nThat's why the EHT Collaboration dubs their images the \"hearts\" of black holes. The images are zoomed-in on the photon sphere, which technically roams even closer to the mind-boggling, spacetime-warping singularity than even the event horizon. If these voids were people, we're looking at their beating hearts.\nIn the night sky, for context, the shadow within the ring is about 52 micro-arcseconds, the team said, which is about the size of a doughnut on the Moon as seen from Earth. The video below (adorably) illustrates that point.\n\"We found that we can measure the ring diameter to an accuracy of about 5%,\" said Johnson. \"Most of the uncertainty here is actually because we don't know whether or not the black hole is spinning and the spin has a small effect on the shadow diameter.\"\nBut it's all warped\nSpace and time, or spacetime, around black holes is totally warped. \nAs light particles, or photons, escape the swirling gas accretion disk and test the event horizon's limits, they follow this warped spacetime path. Therefore, the orange light you see on the upper part of the EHT's black hole image isn't really on \"top\" of the black hole. It's actually associated with the far end of the event horizon and part of a Saturn-like ring around the whole object. The thing is, spacetime's warp forces those far-side photons to \"fold\" toward us. \nThe following video helps elucidate this. \nThough it's a simulation of a binary black hole system, notice how when the blue black hole is behind the orange black hole, you can see the entirety of the blue one on the top and bottom of the orange one. This is pretty much what happens to solo black holes too, except with regard to light circling around its singularity. In fact, it's happening to each black hole in the video.\nLikewise, the event horizon itself follows a sort of warp. We can basically see the far end of the event horizon, and essentially all angles of the horizon there, too\n. \nIt's all \"folded\" toward us. Alas, the dark central parts of these images are better considered event horizon \"shadows.\" Just think of them as the point of no return for photons -- one that's visualizable because we see the lucky light particles that didn't get trapped there, loitering around\n \nthe barrier between the observable universe and... whatever is within the black hole's darkness.\nIn a sense, not only are we looking at images of black holes, but we're looking at\ndirect evidence of warped spacetime\n. That is, we're looking at direct evidence of Einstein's theory of general relativity, the genius' mind-shattering take on gravity.\nAnd, on the note of general relativity, the reason some parts of the light ring are brighter than others is because of a phenomenon called gravitational lensing. Gravitational lensing basically\nenhances some photons due to weird spacetime warp consequences\n.\nSgr A* specs\nNow that we know what we're looking at, here are some of the newly imaged black hole's specs.\nSgr A* sits 26,000 light-years from Earth and has a mass equivalent to about 4 million times that of our sun. M87*, by contrast, is something like 54 million light-years away from us and 1,000 times more massive than SgrA*. Also, Sgr A* is far less violent -- or \"hungry\" as astronomers sometimes say. It's not consuming as much gas from its surroundings as M87*.\nThe image shows the scale of Sgr A* in comparison with both M87* and other elements of the solar system such as the orbits of Pluto and Mercury. Also displayed is the sun's diameter and the current location of the Voyager 1 space probe, the furthest spacecraft from Earth.\nEHT Collaboration, Lia Medeiros\n\"We see that only a trickle of material is actually making it all the way to the black hole,\" Johnson said. \"If Sgr A* were a person, it would consume a single grain of rice every million years.\"\nThus, he says, the black hole is inefficient. \"It's only putting out a few hundred times as much energy as the sun, despite being 4 million times as massive -- the only reason we can study it at all is because it's in our own galaxy.\"","attrs_markdown":"X\n\n[Your Guide To a Better Future](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/ \"CNET\")\n\n[Add as a preferred source on Google](https:\/\/www.google.com\/preferences\/source?q=cnet.com)\n\n- [News](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/news\/ \"News\")\n- [AI](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/ai-atlas\/ \"AI\")\n- [Tech](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/ \"Tech\")\n  - [VPN](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/vpn\/)\n  - [Phones](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/mobile\/phones\/)\n  - [Laptops](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/computing\/laptops\/)\n  - [Audio](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/home-entertainment\/audio\/)\n  - [TV](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/home-entertainment\/tvs\/)\n  - [Services & Software](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/)\n  - [Computers](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/computing\/desktops\/)\n  [All Tech](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/ \"Tech\")\n- [Home](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/ \"Home\")\n  - [Home Security](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/security\/)\n  - [Smart Home](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/smart-home\/)\n  - [Kitchen & Household](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/kitchen-and-household\/)\n  - [Yard & Outdoors](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/yard-and-outdoors\/)\n  - [Home Internet](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/internet\/)\n  [All Home](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/ \"Home\")\n- [Entertainment](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/culture\/entertainment\/ \"Entertainment\")\n  - [Gaming](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/gaming\/)\n  - [TV & Movies](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/streaming-services\/)\n  - [Streaming](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/streaming-services\/)\n  [All Entertainment](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/culture\/entertainment\/ \"Entertainment\")\n- [Wellness](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/health\/ \"Wellness\")\n  - [Sleep](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/health\/sleep\/)\n  - [Nutrition](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/health\/nutrition\/)\n  - [Fitness](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/health\/fitness\/)\n  - [Personal Care](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/health\/personal-care\/)\n  [All Wellness](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/health\/ \"Wellness\")\n- [Gift Guides](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/gifts\/ \"Gift Guides\")\n- [Cover Stories](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/feature\/cover-stories\/ \"Cover Stories\")\n- [More](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/science\/space\/breaking-down-the-mind-bending-milky-way-black-hole-image\/ \"More\")\n  - [Money](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/personal-finance\/)\n  - [CNET Video](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/videos\/)\n  - [Editors' Choice](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/editors-choice\/)\n  [All More](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/science\/space\/breaking-down-the-mind-bending-milky-way-black-hole-image\/ \"More\")\n\n[Add as a preferred source on Google](https:\/\/www.google.com\/preferences\/source?q=cnet.com)\n\nBack\n\nToday's Highlights\n\n- 01  [Amazon Big Spring Sale: Live Updates](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/news-live\/amazon-big-spring-sale-2026-favorite-lightning-deals-live-tracker\/)\n- 02  [Best Amazon Big Spring Sale Deals](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/deals\/best-amazon-spring-sale-deals-2026\/)\n- 03  [Apple's 50-Year Legacy of Product Innovation, Through CNET's Lens](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/features\/apple-50th-anniversary-best-products\/)\n- 04  [Apple AirPods Max 2 Review](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/mobile\/apple-airpods-max-2-review)\n- 05  [Why Your AT\\&T Unlimited Plan Could Cost \\$20 More Each Month Starting in April 2026](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/mobile\/att-unlimited-plan-price-hike-april-2026)\n- 06  [iPhone 17E Review: Magnetically Appealing (and Pink)](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/mobile\/apple-iphone-17e-review\/)\n- 07  [Top 100 Channels on Live TV Streaming Services: YouTube TV, Hulu Live and More](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/top-100-channels-live-tv-streaming-services-look-youtubetv-hulu-live-more\/)\n- 08  [These Are the 22 Official Best of CES Winners This Year](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/best-of-ces-2026\/)\n- 09  [Best VPN 2026: Top 5 Services Tested](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/best-vpn\/)\n\nAI\n\n- [Still Haven't Gotten Into the Viral Sora 2 App? 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2026](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/gifts\/best-gifts-for-tweens\/)\n\nGifts For Everyone\n\n- [The 23 Best Luxury Gifts Our Editors Say Are Worth Every Penny](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/gifts\/best-luxury-gifts\/)\n- [Best Gifts Available on Amazon: From \\$10 to \\$250](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/gifts\/best-gifts-available-on-amazon\/)\n- [34 Unique Gifts for People Who Have Everything](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/gifts\/gifts-for-people-who-have-everything\/)\n\nBack\n\nGift Guide\n\nOur gifting experts are obsessively searching for holiday gifts that are unique, thoughtful and suitable for any budget.\n\n[Explore all](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/gifts\/)\n\nBest Tech Gifts\n\n- [39 of the Best Tech Gifts Under \\$100 for 2026](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/gifts\/best-tech-gifts-under-100\/)\n- [Best Gifts for Gamers in 2026](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/gifts\/best-gifts-for-gamers\/)\n- [Best Travel Tech Gifts: Must-Haves for the Journey and the Destination](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/gifts\/best-travel-tech-gifts\/)\n\nGifts For Kids\n\n- [Best Toys for Kids in 2026](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/gifts\/best-toys-for-kids\/)\n- [36 Best Gifts for Teens in 2026](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/gifts\/best-gifts-for-teens\/)\n- [24 of the Best Gifts for Tweens in 2026](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/gifts\/best-gifts-for-tweens\/)\n\nGifts For Everyone\n\n- [The 23 Best Luxury Gifts Our Editors Say Are Worth Every Penny](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/gifts\/best-luxury-gifts\/)\n- [Best Gifts Available on Amazon: From \\$10 to \\$250](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/gifts\/best-gifts-available-on-amazon\/)\n- [34 Unique Gifts for People Who Have Everything](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/gifts\/gifts-for-people-who-have-everything\/)\n\nBack\n\nAI\n\nStay up to date on developments in the rapidly evolving world of AI with AI Atlas.\n\n[Explore all](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/ai-atlas\/)\n\nAI News\n\n- [iPhone 16E AI](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/these-6-apple-intelligence-features-prove-that-apples-ai-tech-is-useful-now\/)\n- [Apple Intelligence Reboot](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/apple-reportedly-planning-ai-comeback-complete-with-a-tabletop-robot\/)\n- [Galaxy S25 AI](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/mobile\/my-first-48-hours-with-the-galaxy-s25-ultra-has-me-in-awe\/)\n- [ChatGPT Image Gen](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/chatgpts-gpus-are-melting-as-people-make-studio-ghibli-esque-ai-images\/)\n\nAI Reviews\n\n- [Best AI Image Generators](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/best-ai-image-generators\/)\n- [ChatGPT Free vs. Plus](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/heres-what-we-thought-of-chatgpt-free-vs-chatgpt-plus-back-in-2024\/)\n- [Google Gemini](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/what-is-gemini-everything-you-should-know-about-googles-ai-tool\/)\n- [Microsoft Copilot](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/microsoft-copilot-chatbot-review-bing-is-my-default-search-engine-now\/)\n- [Best AI Chatbots](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/best-ai-chatbots\/)\n- [Best AI Website Builders](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/best-ai-website-builder\/)\n- [ChatGPT vs Gemini](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/chatgpt-vs-google-gemini\/)\n\nAI Guides\n\n- [How to Detect AI](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/how-to-detect-ai-writing-using-these-tips\/)\n- [What is an LLM](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/llms-and-ai-arent-the-same-everything-you-should-know-about-whats-behind-chatbots\/)\n- [AI Resume Writing](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/how-to-write-a-resume-using-chatgpt\/)\n- [ChatGPT Glossary](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/chatgpt-glossary\/)\n\nBack\n\nVPN\n\nVPN reviews and guides from our experts to help you boost your online privacy.\n\n[Explore all](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/vpn\/)\n\nBest VPNs\n\n- [Best VPN](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/best-vpn\/)\n- [iPhone](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/best-vpn-for-iphone\/)\n- [Free](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/best-free-vpn\/)\n- [Amazon Fire Stick](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/best-vpn-for-firestick\/)\n- [Mobile](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/best-mobile-vpn\/)\n- [Streaming](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/best-vpn-for-streaming\/)\n- [VPN Deals](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/deals\/best-vpn-deals\/)\n\nVPN Reviews\n\n- [ExpressVPN](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/expressvpn-review\/)\n- [Surfshark](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/surfshark-vpn-review\/)\n- [NordVPN](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/nordvpn-review\/)\n- [NordVPN vs. ExpressVPN](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/expressvpn-vs-nordvpn\/)\n\nBack\n\nPhones\n\nExpert reviews and insightful guides on the latest phones to help you find the perfect device for your needs.\n\n[Explore all](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/mobile\/phones\/)\n\nBest Phones\n\n- [Best Overall Phones](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/mobile\/best-phone\/)\n- [iPhone](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/mobile\/best-iphone\/)\n- [Android](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/mobile\/best-android-phone\/)\n- [iPhone Deals](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/deals\/best-iphone-16-deals\/)\n\nBest Phone Plans\n\n- [Family Plans](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/mobile\/best-family-phone-plan\/)\n- [Cellphone Plans](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/mobile\/best-phone-plans\/)\n- [Unlimited Plans](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/mobile\/best-unlimited-data-plan\/)\n\nPhone Reviews\n\n- [Galaxy S25 Ultra](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/mobile\/galaxy-s25-ultra-review-greatest-phone-screen-ever-and-lets-not-talk-about-the-ai\/)\n- [iPhone 16 Pro](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/mobile\/apple-iphone-16-pro-and-pro-max-review-compelling-upgrade-with-my-favorite-iphone-feature-in-years\/)\n- [iPhone 16 Cases](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/mobile\/best-iphone-16-and-iphone-16-pro-cases\/)\n\nBack\n\nLaptops\n\nGuides from our experts to help you find the best laptop for your specific needs.\n\n[Explore all](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/computing\/laptops\/)\n\nBest Laptops\n\n- [Best Laptop](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/computing\/best-laptop\/)\n- [School Laptop](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/computing\/best-laptop-for-college\/)\n- [Macbook](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/computing\/best-macbook\/)\n- [Windows](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/computing\/best-windows-laptop\/)\n- [Battery Life](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/computing\/best-battery-life-laptop\/)\n- [Lightweight](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/computing\/best-lightweight-laptop\/)\n- [Gaming](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/computing\/best-gaming-laptop\/)\n- [Budget](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/computing\/best-budget-laptop\/)\n- [Monitors](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/computing\/best-monitor\/)\n\nLaptop Guides\n\n- [Chromebook vs. Laptop](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/computing\/chromebook-vs-laptop-whats-the-difference\/)\n- [MacBook Air vs. MacBook Pro](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/computing\/macbook-air-vs-macbook-pro-which-macbook-should-i-buy\/)\n- [Laptop Deals](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/deals\/best-laptop-deals\/)\n\nBack\n\nAudio\n\nThe best of our audio guides to help you make the most of your listening experience.\n\n[Explore all](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/home-entertainment\/audio\/)\n\nBest Earbuds\n\n- [Wireless](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/mobile\/best-wireless-earbuds\/)\n- [Budget](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/mobile\/best-cheap-budget-wireless-earbuds\/)\n- [Noise-Canceling](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/mobile\/best-noise-canceling-wireless-earbuds\/)\n\nBest Headphones\n\n- [Best Overall Headphones](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/mobile\/best-headphones\/)\n- [Noise Canceling](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/mobile\/best-noise-canceling-headphones\/)\n- [Work from Home](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/mobile\/best-headphones-for-work-at-home\/)\n\nBest Speakers\n\n- [Bluetooth](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/home-entertainment\/best-bluetooth-speaker\/)\n- [Record Players](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/home-entertainment\/best-record-player-and-turntable\/)\n- [AV Receivers](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/home-entertainment\/best-av-receiver\/)\n\nBack\n\nTV\n\nWe'll help you make your entertainment as good as the movies.\n\n[Explore all](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/home-entertainment\/tvs\/)\n\nBest TVs\n\n- [Best Overall TVs](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/home-entertainment\/best-tv\/)\n- [65-inch](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/home-entertainment\/best-65-inch-tv\/)\n- [75-inch](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/home-entertainment\/best-75-inch-tv\/)\n- [Budget](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/home-entertainment\/best-budget-tv\/)\n- [TV Deals](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/deals\/best-tv-deals\/)\n- [QLED vs. OLED](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/home-entertainment\/qled-vs-oled-whats-better\/)\n\nTV Accessories\n\n- [Best Projectors](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/home-entertainment\/best-projector\/)\n- [Best TV Antenna](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/home-entertainment\/best-indoor-tv-antenna\/)\n\nTV Streaming Devices\n\n- [Best Streaming Device](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/home-entertainment\/best-streaming-device\/)\n- [Best Fire TV Stick](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/home-entertainment\/best-fire-tv-stick\/)\n\nBack\n\nServices & Software\n\nAll the news and tips you need to get the most out of services, apps and software you use every day.\n\n[Explore all](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/)\n\nServices and Software\n\n- [Best Antivirus Software](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/best-antivirus\/)\n- [Best Password Manager](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/best-password-manager\/)\n- [Extra 15GB Gmail Storage](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/gmail-inbox-zero-15gb-free-storage-space\/)\n\niOS Tips\n\n- [Settings to Change](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/mobile\/not-ready-for-ios-26-10-ios-18-settings-to-tweak-asap\/)\n- [How to Clear Your Cache](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/iphone-browser-clear-cache\/)\n- [Hidden Features](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/11-hidden-ios-18-5-features-i-love\/)\n\nWeb Hosting\n\n- [Minecraft Server](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/best-minecraft-server-hosting\/)\n- [Best Web Hosting Services](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/best-web-hosting\/)\n- [Best Cheap Web Hosting](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/best-cheap-web-hosting\/)\n\nBack\n\nComputers\n\nWhat you need for work and play, and how to get the most out of it.\n\n[Explore all](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/computing\/desktops\/)\n\nBest Computers\n\n- [Desktop Computer](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/computing\/best-desktop-computer\/)\n- [Gaming PC](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/computing\/best-gaming-pc\/)\n- [iMac Deals](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/deals\/best-imac-deals\/)\n\nBest Tablets\n\n- [Best Overall Tablet](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/computing\/best-tablet\/)\n- [Best iPad](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/computing\/best-ipad\/)\n- [E Ink Tablets](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/computing\/best-e-ink-tablets\/)\n- [iPad Pro Deals](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/deals\/best-ipad-pro-deals\/)\n\nComputer Tips\n\n- [Recycle Old Tech](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/computing\/where-to-recycle-your-old-pc-laptop-and-printer-for-free\/)\n- [Windows on Mac](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/computing\/how-to-run-windows-from-your-mac\/)\n\nBack\n\nHome Security\n\nPractical advice on keeping your home safe and secure.\n\n[Explore all](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/security\/)\n\nBest Home Security Cameras\n\n- [Best Overall Security Camera](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/security\/best-home-security-camera\/)\n- [Outdoor](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/security\/best-outdoor-home-security-cameras\/)\n- [With No Subscription](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/security\/best-home-security-cameras-without-subscriptions\/)\n- [Wireless](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/security\/best-wireless-home-security-cameras\/)\n\nBest Security Systems\n\n- [Best Overall Security System](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/security\/best-home-security-system\/)\n- [DIY Security System](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/security\/best-diy-home-security-systems\/)\n\nBest Security Products\n\n- [Ring Video Doorbell](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/security\/best-ring-video-doorbells\/)\n- [Smoke Detectors](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/security\/best-smoke-detector\/)\n- [Smart Locks](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/security\/best-smart-locks\/)\n- [Video Doorbells](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/security\/best-video-doorbell-cameras\/)\n\nBack\n\nSmart Home\n\nEverything you need to know to build a smart home that works for you.\n\n[Explore all](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/smart-home\/)\n\nBest in Smart Home\n\n- [Indoor Smart Garden](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/smart-home\/best-indoor-garden\/)\n- [HomeKit](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/smart-home\/best-apple-homekit-siri-devices\/)\n- [Smart Thermostats](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/energy-and-utilities\/best-smart-thermostats\/)\n- [Smart Garage Door Controller](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/smart-home\/best-smart-garage-door-opener-controller\/)\n- [Smart Plugs](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/smart-home\/best-smart-plugs\/)\n- [Smart Displays](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/smart-home\/best-smart-displays\/)\n- [Smart Home Devices](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/smart-home\/best-smart-home-devices\/)\n- [Smart Lights](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/kitchen-and-household\/best-smart-lights\/)\n- [Amazon Alexa](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/smart-home\/best-alexa-devices\/)\n- [Smart Home Deals](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/deals\/best-smart-home-deals\/)\n\nBest Electric Vehicles\n\n- [Best Overall EVs](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/electric-vehicles\/best-ev-electric-car\/)\n- [EV Chargers](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/electric-vehicles\/best-ev-charger\/)\n- [Budget](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/electric-vehicles\/the-most-affordable-electric-cars\/)\n\nBack\n\nKitchen & Household\n\nFrom coffee makers to robot vacuums, we tackle what you need to know to keep your home running smoothly.\n\n[Explore all](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/kitchen-and-household\/)\n\nBest in Home Tech\n\n- [Dishwashers](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/kitchen-and-household\/best-dishwasher\/)\n- [Car Vacuums](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/kitchen-and-household\/best-car-vacuum\/)\n- [Showerheads](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/kitchen-and-household\/best-showerhead\/)\n- [Air Purifiers](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/kitchen-and-household\/best-air-purifier\/)\n- [Cordless Vacuums](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/kitchen-and-household\/best-cordless-vacuum\/)\n- [Robot Vacuums](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/kitchen-and-household\/best-robot-vacuum\/)\n\nBest for Home Office\n\n- [Office Chairs](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/kitchen-and-household\/best-office-chairs\/)\n- [Standing Desks](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/kitchen-and-household\/best-standing-desk\/)\n- [Surge Protectors](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/kitchen-and-household\/best-surge-protector\/)\n- [Tower Fans](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/kitchen-and-household\/best-tower-fans\/)\n- [Dehumidifiers](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/kitchen-and-household\/best-dehumidifier\/)\n\nBest in the Kitchen\n\n- [Air Fryers](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/kitchen-and-household\/best-air-fryer\/)\n- [Bread Machines](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/kitchen-and-household\/best-bread-machines\/)\n- [Meat Thermometers](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/kitchen-and-household\/best-meat-thermometers\/)\n- [Nonstick Pans](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/kitchen-and-household\/best-nonstick-pan\/)\n\nBack\n\nYard & Outdoors\n\nAll the tools, gear and skills you need to keep your home's yard and outdoor spaces looking sharp.\n\n[Explore all](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/yard-and-outdoors\/)\n\nBest in Yard & Outdoors\n\n- [Garden Hoses](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/yard-and-outdoors\/best-garden-hoses\/)\n- [Pressure Washers](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/yard-and-outdoors\/best-pressure-washer\/)\n- [Water Guns](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/yard-and-outdoors\/best-water-guns\/)\n- [Grills](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/yard-and-outdoors\/best-grill\/)\n- [Electric Lawn Mowers](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/yard-and-outdoors\/best-electric-lawn-mower\/)\n- [Solar Batteries](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/solar\/best-solar-batteries\/)\n- [Portable Power Stations](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/energy-and-utilities\/best-portable-power-stations\/)\n\nBack\n\nHome Internet\n\nWe unpack everything you need to know about internet service.\n\n[Explore all](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/internet\/)\n\nInternet Reviews\n\n- [Verizon 5G](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/internet\/verizon-5g-home-internet-review\/)\n- [T-Mobile 5G](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/internet\/t-mobile-5g-home-internet-review\/)\n- [Xfinity Internet](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/internet\/xfinity-internet-review\/)\n- [AT\\&T Internet Air](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/internet\/at-t-internet-air-review\/)\n- [Starlink](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/internet\/starlink-internet-review\/)\n- [Best ISPs](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/internet\/best-internet-providers\/)\n\nBest Routers\n\n- [Best Overall Routers](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/internet\/best-wi-fi-routers\/)\n- [Gaming](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/internet\/best-gaming-routers\/)\n- [Wi-Fi Extenders](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/internet\/best-wifi-extenders\/)\n- [Mesh Wi-Fi Systems](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/internet\/best-mesh-wifi-routers\/)\n\nTop ISPs by Location\n\n- [Chicago, IL](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/internet\/best-internet-providers-in-chicago-il\/)\n- [San Francisco, CA](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/internet\/best-internet-providers-in-san-francisco-ca\/)\n- [Houston, TX](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/internet\/best-internet-providers-in-houston-tx\/)\n- [New York, NY](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/internet\/best-internet-providers-in-new-york-ny\/)\n\nBack\n\nGaming\n\nReviews, news and buying advice on console, PC, handheld and VR gaming.\n\n[Explore all](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/gaming\/)\n\nNintendo Switch 2\n\n- [How to Buy the Switch 2](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/deals\/nintendo-switch-2-restock-tracker\/)\n- [Switch 1 vs. Switch 2](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/gaming\/nintendo-switch-2-vs-switch-1-gamers-start-your-specs-breakdowns\/)\n- [Switch Deals](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/deals\/best-nintendo-switch-deals\/)\n\nBest Games by Platform\n\n- [Nintendo Switch](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/gaming\/top-best-nintendo-switch-games\/)\n- [PlayStation 5](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/gaming\/best-ps5-games\/)\n- [Xbox](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/gaming\/best-xbox-games-for-xbox-one-series-x-s\/)\n- [PC Games](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/gaming\/best-pc-games-right-now\/)\n- [Mobile](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/gaming\/the-15-best-mobile-games-in-2025-top-iphone-and-android-games\/)\n- [Virtual Reality](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/gaming\/best-vr-games\/)\n\nBest Gaming Hardware\n\n- [VR Headsets](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/gaming\/best-vr-headset\/)\n- [SSDs for PS5](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/gaming\/best-m2-ssd\/)\n\nBest Gaming Deals\n\n- [PlayStation Plus](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/deals\/best-playstation-plus-deals\/)\n- [Xbox Game Pass](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/deals\/best-xbox-game-pass-deals\/)\n- [Free Xbox Game Pass](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/gaming\/how-to-get-xbox-game-pass-for-free\/)\n- [Xbox Deals](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/deals\/best-xbox-deals\/)\n\nBack\n\nTV & Movies\n\nWhen and where to watch TV shows, movies, and live events on streaming services.\n\n[Explore all](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/streaming-services\/)\n\nWhat to Watch\n\n- [Best Shows This 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This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button.\n\n- Science\n- [Space](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/science\/space\/)\n\n# Breaking Down the Mind-Bending Milky Way Black Hole Image\nHere's why the first black hole images look like fiery doughnuts.\n\n![Headshot of Monisha Ravisetti](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/images\/logos\/cnet_load.png)\n\n![Headshot of Monisha Ravisetti](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/images\/logos\/cnet_load.png)\n\nMonisha Ravisetti Former Science Writer\n\nMonisha Ravisetti was a science writer at CNET. She covered climate change, space rockets, mathematical puzzles, dinosaur bones, black holes, supernovas, and sometimes, the drama of philosophical thought experiments. Previously, she was a science reporter with a startup publication called The Academic Times, and before that, was an immunology researcher at Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York. She graduated from New York University in 2018 with a B.A. in philosophy, physics and chemistry. When she's not at her desk, she's trying (and failing) to raise her online chess rating. Her favorite movies are Dunkirk and Marcel the Shell with Shoes On.\n\n[See full bio](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/profiles\/mravisetti\/)\n\nMonisha Ravisetti\n\nMay 13, 2022 5:00 a.m. PT\n\n6 min read\n\n![Two black holes](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/images\/logos\/cnet_load.png)\n\nThere are now two images of black holes. Here they are side by side, with the Milky Way's black hole on the right.\n\nEHT Collaboration\n\nIn 2019, astronomers [captured a hidden piece of the universe](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/science\/first-black-hole-picture-a-breakthrough-look-from-across-the-universe\/) for us to download onto our computer screens. It was the first-ever image of a black hole -- and it revealed the violence of the space-borne beast. This chaotic void, dubbed M87\\*, spews out a jet of light and pierces straight through the galaxy it lives within. But to the untrained Earthling eye, it kind of looks like a Fruit Loop.\n\nOn May 12, the same crew of wide-eyed scientists managed to best themselves by piecing together yet another [mind-bending image of a cosmic chasm.](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/science\/space\/features\/astronomers-reveal-first-groundbreaking-image-of-milky-ways-black-hole\/) Though this time, it was of a \"quiet, quiescent\" black hole in our very own Milky Way galaxy called Sagittarius A\\*, or Sgr A\\*. Nonetheless, it also looks like a Fruit Loop, but perhaps one that's getting soggy.\n\nBoth images are remarkable achievements for the field of astronomy. They're arguably the most breathtaking pictures humanity has laid eyes on. And they look like blurry orange neck pillows -- or, as Feryal Özel, an astrophysicist from the University of Arizona and part of the Event Horizon Telescope Collaboration puts it, \"it seems that black holes like doughnuts.\"\n\nSo, what are we looking at, exactly? \"When we look at the heart of each black hole, we find a bright ring surrounding the black hole shadow,\" said Özel.\n\nBefore getting into the details, though, it's important to note both black hole images we see are not the kind of photographs we're used to day-to-day. They come from [radio wave observations](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/science\/extraordinary-unknown-radio-signal-from-heart-of-milky-way-puzzles-astronomers\/), which sort of work by detecting the intensity of light particles, or photons, in space, then translating those signals to visible patterns. Super intense photons are \"brighter,\" for instance.\n\n![eso2208-eht-mwc](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/images\/logos\/cnet_load.png)\n\nThis image shows the Atacama Large Millimeter\/submillimeter Array in Chile, part of the Event Horizon Telescope Collaboration, looking up at the Milky Way as well as the location of Sagittarius A\\*, the supermassive black hole at our galactic center. Highlighted in the box is the image of Sagittarius A\\* taken by the collaboration.\n\nESO\/José Francisco Salgado, EHT Collaboration\n## Black holes aren't really black holes\nA black hole is not exactly black, nor is it exactly a hole.\n\nRather, it's a complex entity with several moving parts, similar to humans having a bunch of biological body systems. But to understand the EHT's recent image of Sgr A\\*, you need to know three main aspects of black hole anatomy.\n\nFirst, there is the singularity.\n\nBlack holes are typically formed when ginormous stars collapse and all the former star matter turns into a single point. This point is referred to as \"singularity\" and has such immense mass -- from the dead star -- that its gravity overcomes anything and everything with the misfortune of treading too close.\n\nThat includes gas, dust and even light. In fact, the gravitational pull from this entity is so strong it literally warps the fabric of space and time. But, in both the M87\\* and Sgr A\\* images, this point is invisible to us. We have to imagine it, right at the center.\n\n![anatomy-black-hole](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/images\/logos\/cnet_load.png)\n\nAn illustration of a black hole's anatomy.\n\nESO\n\nSecond, there's the event horizon.\n\nThe event horizon is basically the boundary between our universe and the elusive insides of the void. It sits at a certain, very specific, distance from the singularity point called the Schwarzschild radius. Every black hole has one of these, and this is the bit that probably gives black holes their reputation of being \"black.\"\n\nAnything that falls beyond the event horizon gets caught in some concealed realm that appears to us as darkness because even light is trapped in there. Contents beyond the horizon cannot ever come back. We do not know what happens to them.\n\nIn the EHT images, this alternate reality-esque, spherical space between the singularity and event horizon is signified by the black circles. More specifically, though, the dark central parts are shadows of the event horizon.\n\n\"The shadow is the image of the event horizon, it's our line of sight into the black hole,\" said Michael Johnson, EHT member and astrophysicist at the Center for Astrophysics, Harvard Smithsonian.\n\nBut we'll get back to that.\n\nThird, and most importantly for the flaming doughnuts, there is the photon sphere.\n\nAll around the singularity and the event horizon, shrouds of hot gas and dust are trapped in an eternal orbit around these deafening abysses in what are called accretion disks. If anything from that disk falls within the [Schwarzschild radius](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/science\/Schwarzschild-radius \"(opens in a new window)\"), aka beyond the event horizon, it's lost to the black hole universe. But light does something tricky here. And this gives us our black hole picture.\n\nUnlike gas or dust, light can sort of delicately tiptoe within the Schwarzschild radius without spiraling into the void. And if those photons travel in *just* the right way, \"light escaping from the hot gas swirling around the black hole appears to us as the bright ring,\" Özel said. \"Light that is close enough to be swallowed by it eventually crosses its horizon and leaves behind just a dark void in the center.\"\n\nThat's why the EHT Collaboration dubs their images the \"hearts\" of black holes. The images are zoomed-in on the photon sphere, which technically roams even closer to the mind-boggling, spacetime-warping singularity than even the event horizon. If these voids were people, we're looking at their beating hearts.\n\nIn the night sky, for context, the shadow within the ring is about 52 micro-arcseconds, the team said, which is about the size of a doughnut on the Moon as seen from Earth. The video below (adorably) illustrates that point.\n\n\"We found that we can measure the ring diameter to an accuracy of about 5%,\" said Johnson. \"Most of the uncertainty here is actually because we don't know whether or not the black hole is spinning and the spin has a small effect on the shadow diameter.\"\n\n## But it's all warped\nSpace and time, or spacetime, around black holes is totally warped.\n\nAs light particles, or photons, escape the swirling gas accretion disk and test the event horizon's limits, they follow this warped spacetime path. Therefore, the orange light you see on the upper part of the EHT's black hole image isn't really on \"top\" of the black hole. It's actually associated with the far end of the event horizon and part of a Saturn-like ring around the whole object. The thing is, spacetime's warp forces those far-side photons to \"fold\" toward us.\n\nThe following video helps elucidate this.\n\nThough it's a simulation of a binary black hole system, notice how when the blue black hole is behind the orange black hole, you can see the entirety of the blue one on the top and bottom of the orange one. This is pretty much what happens to solo black holes too, except with regard to light circling around its singularity. In fact, it's happening to each black hole in the video.\n\nLikewise, the event horizon itself follows a sort of warp. We can basically see the far end of the event horizon, and essentially all angles of the horizon there, too*.* It's all \"folded\" toward us. Alas, the dark central parts of these images are better considered event horizon \"shadows.\" Just think of them as the point of no return for photons -- one that's visualizable because we see the lucky light particles that didn't get trapped there, loitering aroundthe barrier between the observable universe and... whatever is within the black hole's darkness.\n\nIn a sense, not only are we looking at images of black holes, but we're looking at *direct evidence of warped spacetime*. That is, we're looking at direct evidence of Einstein's theory of general relativity, the genius' mind-shattering take on gravity.\n\nAnd, on the note of general relativity, the reason some parts of the light ring are brighter than others is because of a phenomenon called gravitational lensing. Gravitational lensing basically [enhances some photons due to weird spacetime warp consequences](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/science\/space\/how-einsteins-theory-of-general-relativity-could-help-vividly-image-alien-worlds\/).\n\n## Sgr A\\* specs\nNow that we know what we're looking at, here are some of the newly imaged black hole's specs.\n\nSgr A\\* sits 26,000 light-years from Earth and has a mass equivalent to about 4 million times that of our sun. M87\\*, by contrast, is something like 54 million light-years away from us and 1,000 times more massive than SgrA\\*. Also, Sgr A\\* is far less violent -- or \"hungry\" as astronomers sometimes say. It's not consuming as much gas from its surroundings as M87\\*.\n\n![eso2208-eht-mwe](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/images\/logos\/cnet_load.png)\n\nThe image shows the scale of Sgr A\\* in comparison with both M87\\* and other elements of the solar system such as the orbits of Pluto and Mercury. Also displayed is the sun's diameter and the current location of the Voyager 1 space probe, the furthest spacecraft from Earth.\n\nEHT Collaboration, Lia Medeiros\n\n\"We see that only a trickle of material is actually making it all the way to the black hole,\" Johnson said. \"If Sgr A\\* were a person, it would consume a single grain of rice every million years.\"\n\nThus, he says, the black hole is inefficient. \"It's only putting out a few hundred times as much energy as the sun, despite being 4 million times as massive -- the only reason we can study it at all is because it's in our own galaxy.\"\n\nYour guide   \n to a better future\n\n[US](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/)  [France](https:\/\/www.cnetfrance.fr\/)  [Germany](https:\/\/www.cnet.de\/)  [Japan](https:\/\/japan.cnet.com\/)  [Korea](https:\/\/www.cnet.co.kr\/)\n\n[About CNET](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/about\/)\n\n[Software Downloads](https:\/\/download.cnet.com\/)\n\n[Press 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All rights reserved.","attrs_readable_markdown":"Here's why the first black hole images look like fiery doughnuts.\n\n![Headshot of Monisha Ravisetti](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/images\/logos\/cnet_load.png)\n\nMonisha Ravisetti was a science writer at CNET. She covered climate change, space rockets, mathematical puzzles, dinosaur bones, black holes, supernovas, and sometimes, the drama of philosophical thought experiments. Previously, she was a science reporter with a startup publication called The Academic Times, and before that, was an immunology researcher at Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York. She graduated from New York University in 2018 with a B.A. in philosophy, physics and chemistry. When she's not at her desk, she's trying (and failing) to raise her online chess rating. Her favorite movies are Dunkirk and Marcel the Shell with Shoes On.\n\n6 min read\n\nIn 2019, astronomers [captured a hidden piece of the universe](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/science\/first-black-hole-picture-a-breakthrough-look-from-across-the-universe\/) for us to download onto our computer screens. It was the first-ever image of a black hole -- and it revealed the violence of the space-borne beast. This chaotic void, dubbed M87\\*, spews out a jet of light and pierces straight through the galaxy it lives within. But to the untrained Earthling eye, it kind of looks like a Fruit Loop.\n\nOn May 12, the same crew of wide-eyed scientists managed to best themselves by piecing together yet another [mind-bending image of a cosmic chasm.](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/science\/space\/features\/astronomers-reveal-first-groundbreaking-image-of-milky-ways-black-hole\/) Though this time, it was of a \"quiet, quiescent\" black hole in our very own Milky Way galaxy called Sagittarius A\\*, or Sgr A\\*. Nonetheless, it also looks like a Fruit Loop, but perhaps one that's getting soggy.\n\nBoth images are remarkable achievements for the field of astronomy. They're arguably the most breathtaking pictures humanity has laid eyes on. And they look like blurry orange neck pillows -- or, as Feryal Özel, an astrophysicist from the University of Arizona and part of the Event Horizon Telescope Collaboration puts it, \"it seems that black holes like doughnuts.\"\n\nSo, what are we looking at, exactly? \"When we look at the heart of each black hole, we find a bright ring surrounding the black hole shadow,\" said Özel.\n\nBefore getting into the details, though, it's important to note both black hole images we see are not the kind of photographs we're used to day-to-day. They come from [radio wave observations](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/science\/extraordinary-unknown-radio-signal-from-heart-of-milky-way-puzzles-astronomers\/), which sort of work by detecting the intensity of light particles, or photons, in space, then translating those signals to visible patterns. Super intense photons are \"brighter,\" for instance.\n\n![eso2208-eht-mwc](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/images\/logos\/cnet_load.png)\n\nThis image shows the Atacama Large Millimeter\/submillimeter Array in Chile, part of the Event Horizon Telescope Collaboration, looking up at the Milky Way as well as the location of Sagittarius A\\*, the supermassive black hole at our galactic center. Highlighted in the box is the image of Sagittarius A\\* taken by the collaboration.\n\nESO\/José Francisco Salgado, EHT Collaboration\n## Black holes aren't really black holes\nA black hole is not exactly black, nor is it exactly a hole.\n\nRather, it's a complex entity with several moving parts, similar to humans having a bunch of biological body systems. But to understand the EHT's recent image of Sgr A\\*, you need to know three main aspects of black hole anatomy.\n\nFirst, there is the singularity.\n\nBlack holes are typically formed when ginormous stars collapse and all the former star matter turns into a single point. This point is referred to as \"singularity\" and has such immense mass -- from the dead star -- that its gravity overcomes anything and everything with the misfortune of treading too close.\n\nThat includes gas, dust and even light. In fact, the gravitational pull from this entity is so strong it literally warps the fabric of space and time. But, in both the M87\\* and Sgr A\\* images, this point is invisible to us. We have to imagine it, right at the center.\n\n![anatomy-black-hole](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/images\/logos\/cnet_load.png)\n\nAn illustration of a black hole's anatomy.\n\nESO\n\nSecond, there's the event horizon.\n\nThe event horizon is basically the boundary between our universe and the elusive insides of the void. It sits at a certain, very specific, distance from the singularity point called the Schwarzschild radius. Every black hole has one of these, and this is the bit that probably gives black holes their reputation of being \"black.\"\n\nAnything that falls beyond the event horizon gets caught in some concealed realm that appears to us as darkness because even light is trapped in there. Contents beyond the horizon cannot ever come back. We do not know what happens to them.\n\nIn the EHT images, this alternate reality-esque, spherical space between the singularity and event horizon is signified by the black circles. More specifically, though, the dark central parts are shadows of the event horizon.\n\n\"The shadow is the image of the event horizon, it's our line of sight into the black hole,\" said Michael Johnson, EHT member and astrophysicist at the Center for Astrophysics, Harvard Smithsonian.\n\nBut we'll get back to that.\n\nThird, and most importantly for the flaming doughnuts, there is the photon sphere.\n\nAll around the singularity and the event horizon, shrouds of hot gas and dust are trapped in an eternal orbit around these deafening abysses in what are called accretion disks. If anything from that disk falls within the [Schwarzschild radius](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/science\/Schwarzschild-radius \"(opens in a new window)\"), aka beyond the event horizon, it's lost to the black hole universe. But light does something tricky here. And this gives us our black hole picture.\n\nUnlike gas or dust, light can sort of delicately tiptoe within the Schwarzschild radius without spiraling into the void. And if those photons travel in *just* the right way, \"light escaping from the hot gas swirling around the black hole appears to us as the bright ring,\" Özel said. \"Light that is close enough to be swallowed by it eventually crosses its horizon and leaves behind just a dark void in the center.\"\n\nThat's why the EHT Collaboration dubs their images the \"hearts\" of black holes. The images are zoomed-in on the photon sphere, which technically roams even closer to the mind-boggling, spacetime-warping singularity than even the event horizon. If these voids were people, we're looking at their beating hearts.\n\nIn the night sky, for context, the shadow within the ring is about 52 micro-arcseconds, the team said, which is about the size of a doughnut on the Moon as seen from Earth. The video below (adorably) illustrates that point.\n\n\"We found that we can measure the ring diameter to an accuracy of about 5%,\" said Johnson. \"Most of the uncertainty here is actually because we don't know whether or not the black hole is spinning and the spin has a small effect on the shadow diameter.\"\n\n## But it's all warped\nSpace and time, or spacetime, around black holes is totally warped.\n\nAs light particles, or photons, escape the swirling gas accretion disk and test the event horizon's limits, they follow this warped spacetime path. Therefore, the orange light you see on the upper part of the EHT's black hole image isn't really on \"top\" of the black hole. It's actually associated with the far end of the event horizon and part of a Saturn-like ring around the whole object. The thing is, spacetime's warp forces those far-side photons to \"fold\" toward us.\n\nThe following video helps elucidate this.\n\nThough it's a simulation of a binary black hole system, notice how when the blue black hole is behind the orange black hole, you can see the entirety of the blue one on the top and bottom of the orange one. This is pretty much what happens to solo black holes too, except with regard to light circling around its singularity. In fact, it's happening to each black hole in the video.\n\nLikewise, the event horizon itself follows a sort of warp. We can basically see the far end of the event horizon, and essentially all angles of the horizon there, too*.* It's all \"folded\" toward us. Alas, the dark central parts of these images are better considered event horizon \"shadows.\" Just think of them as the point of no return for photons -- one that's visualizable because we see the lucky light particles that didn't get trapped there, loitering aroundthe barrier between the observable universe and... whatever is within the black hole's darkness.\n\nIn a sense, not only are we looking at images of black holes, but we're looking at *direct evidence of warped spacetime*. That is, we're looking at direct evidence of Einstein's theory of general relativity, the genius' mind-shattering take on gravity.\n\nAnd, on the note of general relativity, the reason some parts of the light ring are brighter than others is because of a phenomenon called gravitational lensing. Gravitational lensing basically [enhances some photons due to weird spacetime warp consequences](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/science\/space\/how-einsteins-theory-of-general-relativity-could-help-vividly-image-alien-worlds\/).\n\n## Sgr A\\* specs\nNow that we know what we're looking at, here are some of the newly imaged black hole's specs.\n\nSgr A\\* sits 26,000 light-years from Earth and has a mass equivalent to about 4 million times that of our sun. M87\\*, by contrast, is something like 54 million light-years away from us and 1,000 times more massive than SgrA\\*. Also, Sgr A\\* is far less violent -- or \"hungry\" as astronomers sometimes say. It's not consuming as much gas from its surroundings as M87\\*.\n\n![eso2208-eht-mwe](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/images\/logos\/cnet_load.png)\n\nThe image shows the scale of Sgr A\\* in comparison with both M87\\* and other elements of the solar system such as the orbits of Pluto and Mercury. Also displayed is the sun's diameter and the current location of the Voyager 1 space probe, the furthest spacecraft from Earth.\n\nEHT Collaboration, Lia Medeiros\n\n\"We see that only a trickle of material is actually making it all the way to the black hole,\" Johnson said. \"If Sgr A\\* were a person, it would consume a single grain of rice every million years.\"\n\nThus, he says, the black hole is inefficient. \"It's only putting out a few hundred times as much energy as the sun, despite being 4 million times as massive -- the only reason we can study it at all is because it's in our own galaxy.\"","meta_canonical":null}

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Meta Title	Breaking Down the Mind-Bending Milky Way Black Hole Image - CNET
Meta Description	Here's why the first black hole images look like fiery doughnuts.
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Boilerpipe Text	Here's why the first black hole images look like fiery doughnuts. Monisha Ravisetti was a science writer at CNET. She covered climate change, space rockets, mathematical puzzles, dinosaur bones, black holes, supernovas, and sometimes, the drama of philosophical thought experiments. Previously, she was a science reporter with a startup publication called The Academic Times, and before that, was an immunology researcher at Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York. She graduated from New York University in 2018 with a B.A. in philosophy, physics and chemistry. When she's not at her desk, she's trying (and failing) to raise her online chess rating. Her favorite movies are Dunkirk and Marcel the Shell with Shoes On. 6 min read In 2019, astronomers captured a hidden piece of the universe for us to download onto our computer screens. It was the first-ever image of a black hole -- and it revealed the violence of the space-borne beast. This chaotic void, dubbed M87, spews out a jet of light and pierces straight through the galaxy it lives within. But to the untrained Earthling eye, it kind of looks like a Fruit Loop. On May 12, the same crew of wide-eyed scientists managed to best themselves by piecing together yet another mind-bending image of a cosmic chasm. Though this time, it was of a "quiet, quiescent" black hole in our very own Milky Way galaxy called Sagittarius A, or Sgr A. Nonetheless, it also looks like a Fruit Loop, but perhaps one that's getting soggy. Both images are remarkable achievements for the field of astronomy. They're arguably the most breathtaking pictures humanity has laid eyes on. And they look like blurry orange neck pillows -- or, as Feryal Özel, an astrophysicist from the University of Arizona and part of the Event Horizon Telescope Collaboration puts it, "it seems that black holes like doughnuts." So, what are we looking at, exactly? "When we look at the heart of each black hole, we find a bright ring surrounding the black hole shadow," said Özel. Before getting into the details, though, it's important to note both black hole images we see are not the kind of photographs we're used to day-to-day. They come from radio wave observations , which sort of work by detecting the intensity of light particles, or photons, in space, then translating those signals to visible patterns. Super intense photons are "brighter," for instance. This image shows the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array in Chile, part of the Event Horizon Telescope Collaboration, looking up at the Milky Way as well as the location of Sagittarius A, the supermassive black hole at our galactic center. Highlighted in the box is the image of Sagittarius A* taken by the collaboration. ESO/José Francisco Salgado, EHT Collaboration Black holes aren't really black holes A black hole is not exactly black, nor is it exactly a hole. Rather, it's a complex entity with several moving parts, similar to humans having a bunch of biological body systems. But to understand the EHT's recent image of Sgr A, you need to know three main aspects of black hole anatomy. First, there is the singularity. Black holes are typically formed when ginormous stars collapse and all the former star matter turns into a single point. This point is referred to as "singularity" and has such immense mass -- from the dead star -- that its gravity overcomes anything and everything with the misfortune of treading too close. That includes gas, dust and even light. In fact, the gravitational pull from this entity is so strong it literally warps the fabric of space and time. But, in both the M87 and Sgr A* images, this point is invisible to us. We have to imagine it, right at the center. An illustration of a black hole's anatomy. ESO Second, there's the event horizon. The event horizon is basically the boundary between our universe and the elusive insides of the void. It sits at a certain, very specific, distance from the singularity point called the Schwarzschild radius. Every black hole has one of these, and this is the bit that probably gives black holes their reputation of being "black." Anything that falls beyond the event horizon gets caught in some concealed realm that appears to us as darkness because even light is trapped in there. Contents beyond the horizon cannot ever come back. We do not know what happens to them. In the EHT images, this alternate reality-esque, spherical space between the singularity and event horizon is signified by the black circles. More specifically, though, the dark central parts are shadows of the event horizon. "The shadow is the image of the event horizon, it's our line of sight into the black hole," said Michael Johnson, EHT member and astrophysicist at the Center for Astrophysics, Harvard Smithsonian. But we'll get back to that. Third, and most importantly for the flaming doughnuts, there is the photon sphere. All around the singularity and the event horizon, shrouds of hot gas and dust are trapped in an eternal orbit around these deafening abysses in what are called accretion disks. If anything from that disk falls within the Schwarzschild radius , aka beyond the event horizon, it's lost to the black hole universe. But light does something tricky here. And this gives us our black hole picture. Unlike gas or dust, light can sort of delicately tiptoe within the Schwarzschild radius without spiraling into the void. And if those photons travel in just the right way, "light escaping from the hot gas swirling around the black hole appears to us as the bright ring," Özel said. "Light that is close enough to be swallowed by it eventually crosses its horizon and leaves behind just a dark void in the center." That's why the EHT Collaboration dubs their images the "hearts" of black holes. The images are zoomed-in on the photon sphere, which technically roams even closer to the mind-boggling, spacetime-warping singularity than even the event horizon. If these voids were people, we're looking at their beating hearts. In the night sky, for context, the shadow within the ring is about 52 micro-arcseconds, the team said, which is about the size of a doughnut on the Moon as seen from Earth. The video below (adorably) illustrates that point. "We found that we can measure the ring diameter to an accuracy of about 5%," said Johnson. "Most of the uncertainty here is actually because we don't know whether or not the black hole is spinning and the spin has a small effect on the shadow diameter." But it's all warped Space and time, or spacetime, around black holes is totally warped. As light particles, or photons, escape the swirling gas accretion disk and test the event horizon's limits, they follow this warped spacetime path. Therefore, the orange light you see on the upper part of the EHT's black hole image isn't really on "top" of the black hole. It's actually associated with the far end of the event horizon and part of a Saturn-like ring around the whole object. The thing is, spacetime's warp forces those far-side photons to "fold" toward us. The following video helps elucidate this. Though it's a simulation of a binary black hole system, notice how when the blue black hole is behind the orange black hole, you can see the entirety of the blue one on the top and bottom of the orange one. This is pretty much what happens to solo black holes too, except with regard to light circling around its singularity. In fact, it's happening to each black hole in the video. Likewise, the event horizon itself follows a sort of warp. We can basically see the far end of the event horizon, and essentially all angles of the horizon there, too . It's all "folded" toward us. Alas, the dark central parts of these images are better considered event horizon "shadows." Just think of them as the point of no return for photons -- one that's visualizable because we see the lucky light particles that didn't get trapped there, loitering around the barrier between the observable universe and... whatever is within the black hole's darkness. In a sense, not only are we looking at images of black holes, but we're looking at direct evidence of warped spacetime . That is, we're looking at direct evidence of Einstein's theory of general relativity, the genius' mind-shattering take on gravity. And, on the note of general relativity, the reason some parts of the light ring are brighter than others is because of a phenomenon called gravitational lensing. Gravitational lensing basically enhances some photons due to weird spacetime warp consequences . Sgr A* specs Now that we know what we're looking at, here are some of the newly imaged black hole's specs. Sgr A* sits 26,000 light-years from Earth and has a mass equivalent to about 4 million times that of our sun. M87, by contrast, is something like 54 million light-years away from us and 1,000 times more massive than SgrA. Also, Sgr A* is far less violent -- or "hungry" as astronomers sometimes say. It's not consuming as much gas from its surroundings as M87. The image shows the scale of Sgr A in comparison with both M87* and other elements of the solar system such as the orbits of Pluto and Mercury. Also displayed is the sun's diameter and the current location of the Voyager 1 space probe, the furthest spacecraft from Earth. EHT Collaboration, Lia Medeiros "We see that only a trickle of material is actually making it all the way to the black hole," Johnson said. "If Sgr A* were a person, it would consume a single grain of rice every million years." Thus, he says, the black hole is inefficient. "It's only putting out a few hundred times as much energy as the sun, despite being 4 million times as massive -- the only reason we can study it at all is because it's in our own galaxy."
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[Explore all](https://www.cnet.com/gifts/) Best Tech Gifts - [39 of the Best Tech Gifts Under \$100 for 2026](https://www.cnet.com/gifts/best-tech-gifts-under-100/) - [Best Gifts for Gamers in 2026](https://www.cnet.com/gifts/best-gifts-for-gamers/) - [Best Travel Tech Gifts: Must-Haves for the Journey and the Destination](https://www.cnet.com/gifts/best-travel-tech-gifts/) Gifts For Kids - [Best Toys for Kids in 2026](https://www.cnet.com/gifts/best-toys-for-kids/) - [36 Best Gifts for Teens in 2026](https://www.cnet.com/gifts/best-gifts-for-teens/) - [24 of the Best Gifts for Tweens in 2026](https://www.cnet.com/gifts/best-gifts-for-tweens/) Gifts For Everyone - [The 23 Best Luxury Gifts Our Editors Say Are Worth Every Penny](https://www.cnet.com/gifts/best-luxury-gifts/) - [Best Gifts Available on Amazon: From \$10 to \$250](https://www.cnet.com/gifts/best-gifts-available-on-amazon/) - [34 Unique Gifts for People Who Have Everything](https://www.cnet.com/gifts/gifts-for-people-who-have-everything/) Back AI Stay up to date on developments in the rapidly evolving world of AI with AI Atlas. [Explore all](https://www.cnet.com/ai-atlas/) AI News - [iPhone 16E AI](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/these-6-apple-intelligence-features-prove-that-apples-ai-tech-is-useful-now/) - [Apple Intelligence Reboot](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/apple-reportedly-planning-ai-comeback-complete-with-a-tabletop-robot/) - [Galaxy S25 AI](https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/my-first-48-hours-with-the-galaxy-s25-ultra-has-me-in-awe/) - [ChatGPT Image Gen](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/chatgpts-gpus-are-melting-as-people-make-studio-ghibli-esque-ai-images/) AI Reviews - [Best AI Image Generators](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-ai-image-generators/) - [ChatGPT Free vs. Plus](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/heres-what-we-thought-of-chatgpt-free-vs-chatgpt-plus-back-in-2024/) - [Google Gemini](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/what-is-gemini-everything-you-should-know-about-googles-ai-tool/) - [Microsoft Copilot](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/microsoft-copilot-chatbot-review-bing-is-my-default-search-engine-now/) - [Best AI Chatbots](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-ai-chatbots/) - [Best AI Website Builders](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-ai-website-builder/) - [ChatGPT vs Gemini](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/chatgpt-vs-google-gemini/) AI Guides - [How to Detect AI](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/how-to-detect-ai-writing-using-these-tips/) - [What is an LLM](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/llms-and-ai-arent-the-same-everything-you-should-know-about-whats-behind-chatbots/) - [AI Resume Writing](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/how-to-write-a-resume-using-chatgpt/) - [ChatGPT Glossary](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/chatgpt-glossary/) Back VPN VPN reviews and guides from our experts to help you boost your online privacy. [Explore all](https://www.cnet.com/tech/vpn/) Best VPNs - [Best VPN](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-vpn/) - [iPhone](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-vpn-for-iphone/) - [Free](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-free-vpn/) - [Amazon Fire Stick](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-vpn-for-firestick/) - [Mobile](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-mobile-vpn/) - [Streaming](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-vpn-for-streaming/) - [VPN Deals](https://www.cnet.com/deals/best-vpn-deals/) VPN Reviews - [ExpressVPN](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/expressvpn-review/) - [Surfshark](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/surfshark-vpn-review/) - [NordVPN](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/nordvpn-review/) - [NordVPN vs. ExpressVPN](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/expressvpn-vs-nordvpn/) Back Phones Expert reviews and insightful guides on the latest phones to help you find the perfect device for your needs. [Explore all](https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/phones/) Best Phones - [Best Overall Phones](https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/best-phone/) - [iPhone](https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/best-iphone/) - [Android](https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/best-android-phone/) - [iPhone Deals](https://www.cnet.com/deals/best-iphone-16-deals/) Best Phone Plans - [Family Plans](https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/best-family-phone-plan/) - [Cellphone Plans](https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/best-phone-plans/) - [Unlimited Plans](https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/best-unlimited-data-plan/) Phone Reviews - [Galaxy S25 Ultra](https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/galaxy-s25-ultra-review-greatest-phone-screen-ever-and-lets-not-talk-about-the-ai/) - [iPhone 16 Pro](https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/apple-iphone-16-pro-and-pro-max-review-compelling-upgrade-with-my-favorite-iphone-feature-in-years/) - [iPhone 16 Cases](https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/best-iphone-16-and-iphone-16-pro-cases/) Back Laptops Guides from our experts to help you find the best laptop for your specific needs. [Explore all](https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/laptops/) Best Laptops - [Best Laptop](https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/best-laptop/) - [School Laptop](https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/best-laptop-for-college/) - [Macbook](https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/best-macbook/) - [Windows](https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/best-windows-laptop/) - [Battery Life](https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/best-battery-life-laptop/) - [Lightweight](https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/best-lightweight-laptop/) - [Gaming](https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/best-gaming-laptop/) - [Budget](https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/best-budget-laptop/) - [Monitors](https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/best-monitor/) Laptop Guides - [Chromebook vs. Laptop](https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/chromebook-vs-laptop-whats-the-difference/) - [MacBook Air vs. MacBook Pro](https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/macbook-air-vs-macbook-pro-which-macbook-should-i-buy/) - [Laptop Deals](https://www.cnet.com/deals/best-laptop-deals/) Back Audio The best of our audio guides to help you make the most of your listening experience. [Explore all](https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/audio/) Best Earbuds - [Wireless](https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/best-wireless-earbuds/) - [Budget](https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/best-cheap-budget-wireless-earbuds/) - [Noise-Canceling](https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/best-noise-canceling-wireless-earbuds/) Best Headphones - [Best Overall Headphones](https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/best-headphones/) - [Noise Canceling](https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/best-noise-canceling-headphones/) - [Work from Home](https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/best-headphones-for-work-at-home/) Best Speakers - [Bluetooth](https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/best-bluetooth-speaker/) - [Record Players](https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/best-record-player-and-turntable/) - [AV Receivers](https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/best-av-receiver/) Back TV We'll help you make your entertainment as good as the movies. [Explore all](https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/tvs/) Best TVs - [Best Overall TVs](https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/best-tv/) - [65-inch](https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/best-65-inch-tv/) - [75-inch](https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/best-75-inch-tv/) - [Budget](https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/best-budget-tv/) - [TV Deals](https://www.cnet.com/deals/best-tv-deals/) - [QLED vs. OLED](https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/qled-vs-oled-whats-better/) TV Accessories - [Best Projectors](https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/best-projector/) - [Best TV Antenna](https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/best-indoor-tv-antenna/) TV Streaming Devices - [Best Streaming Device](https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/best-streaming-device/) - [Best Fire TV Stick](https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/best-fire-tv-stick/) Back Services & Software All the news and tips you need to get the most out of services, apps and software you use every day. [Explore all](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/) Services and Software - [Best Antivirus Software](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-antivirus/) - [Best Password Manager](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-password-manager/) - [Extra 15GB Gmail Storage](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/gmail-inbox-zero-15gb-free-storage-space/) iOS Tips - [Settings to Change](https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/not-ready-for-ios-26-10-ios-18-settings-to-tweak-asap/) - [How to Clear Your Cache](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/iphone-browser-clear-cache/) - [Hidden Features](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/11-hidden-ios-18-5-features-i-love/) Web Hosting - [Minecraft Server](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-minecraft-server-hosting/) - [Best Web Hosting Services](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-web-hosting/) - [Best Cheap Web Hosting](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-cheap-web-hosting/) Back Computers What you need for work and play, and how to get the most out of it. [Explore all](https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/desktops/) Best Computers - [Desktop Computer](https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/best-desktop-computer/) - [Gaming PC](https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/best-gaming-pc/) - [iMac Deals](https://www.cnet.com/deals/best-imac-deals/) Best Tablets - [Best Overall Tablet](https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/best-tablet/) - [Best iPad](https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/best-ipad/) - [E Ink Tablets](https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/best-e-ink-tablets/) - [iPad Pro Deals](https://www.cnet.com/deals/best-ipad-pro-deals/) Computer Tips - [Recycle Old Tech](https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/where-to-recycle-your-old-pc-laptop-and-printer-for-free/) - [Windows on Mac](https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/how-to-run-windows-from-your-mac/) Back Home Security Practical advice on keeping your home safe and secure. [Explore all](https://www.cnet.com/home/security/) Best Home Security Cameras - [Best Overall Security Camera](https://www.cnet.com/home/security/best-home-security-camera/) - [Outdoor](https://www.cnet.com/home/security/best-outdoor-home-security-cameras/) - [With No Subscription](https://www.cnet.com/home/security/best-home-security-cameras-without-subscriptions/) - [Wireless](https://www.cnet.com/home/security/best-wireless-home-security-cameras/) Best Security Systems - [Best Overall Security System](https://www.cnet.com/home/security/best-home-security-system/) - [DIY Security System](https://www.cnet.com/home/security/best-diy-home-security-systems/) Best Security Products - [Ring Video Doorbell](https://www.cnet.com/home/security/best-ring-video-doorbells/) - [Smoke Detectors](https://www.cnet.com/home/security/best-smoke-detector/) - [Smart Locks](https://www.cnet.com/home/security/best-smart-locks/) - [Video Doorbells](https://www.cnet.com/home/security/best-video-doorbell-cameras/) Back Smart Home Everything you need to know to build a smart home that works for you. [Explore all](https://www.cnet.com/home/smart-home/) Best in Smart Home - [Indoor Smart Garden](https://www.cnet.com/home/smart-home/best-indoor-garden/) - [HomeKit](https://www.cnet.com/home/smart-home/best-apple-homekit-siri-devices/) - [Smart Thermostats](https://www.cnet.com/home/energy-and-utilities/best-smart-thermostats/) - [Smart Garage Door Controller](https://www.cnet.com/home/smart-home/best-smart-garage-door-opener-controller/) - [Smart Plugs](https://www.cnet.com/home/smart-home/best-smart-plugs/) - [Smart Displays](https://www.cnet.com/home/smart-home/best-smart-displays/) - [Smart Home Devices](https://www.cnet.com/home/smart-home/best-smart-home-devices/) - [Smart Lights](https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/best-smart-lights/) - [Amazon Alexa](https://www.cnet.com/home/smart-home/best-alexa-devices/) - [Smart Home Deals](https://www.cnet.com/deals/best-smart-home-deals/) Best Electric Vehicles - [Best Overall EVs](https://www.cnet.com/home/electric-vehicles/best-ev-electric-car/) - [EV Chargers](https://www.cnet.com/home/electric-vehicles/best-ev-charger/) - [Budget](https://www.cnet.com/home/electric-vehicles/the-most-affordable-electric-cars/) Back Kitchen & Household From coffee makers to robot vacuums, we tackle what you need to know to keep your home running smoothly. [Explore all](https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/) Best in Home Tech - [Dishwashers](https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/best-dishwasher/) - [Car Vacuums](https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/best-car-vacuum/) - [Showerheads](https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/best-showerhead/) - [Air Purifiers](https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/best-air-purifier/) - [Cordless Vacuums](https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/best-cordless-vacuum/) - [Robot Vacuums](https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/best-robot-vacuum/) Best for Home Office - [Office Chairs](https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/best-office-chairs/) - [Standing Desks](https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/best-standing-desk/) - [Surge Protectors](https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/best-surge-protector/) - [Tower Fans](https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/best-tower-fans/) - [Dehumidifiers](https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/best-dehumidifier/) Best in the Kitchen - [Air Fryers](https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/best-air-fryer/) - [Bread Machines](https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/best-bread-machines/) - [Meat Thermometers](https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/best-meat-thermometers/) - [Nonstick Pans](https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/best-nonstick-pan/) Back Yard & Outdoors All the tools, gear and skills you need to keep your home's yard and outdoor spaces looking sharp. [Explore all](https://www.cnet.com/home/yard-and-outdoors/) Best in Yard & Outdoors - [Garden Hoses](https://www.cnet.com/home/yard-and-outdoors/best-garden-hoses/) - [Pressure Washers](https://www.cnet.com/home/yard-and-outdoors/best-pressure-washer/) - [Water Guns](https://www.cnet.com/home/yard-and-outdoors/best-water-guns/) - [Grills](https://www.cnet.com/home/yard-and-outdoors/best-grill/) - [Electric Lawn Mowers](https://www.cnet.com/home/yard-and-outdoors/best-electric-lawn-mower/) - [Solar Batteries](https://www.cnet.com/home/solar/best-solar-batteries/) - [Portable Power Stations](https://www.cnet.com/home/energy-and-utilities/best-portable-power-stations/) Back Home Internet We unpack everything you need to know about internet service. [Explore all](https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/) Internet Reviews - [Verizon 5G](https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/verizon-5g-home-internet-review/) - [T-Mobile 5G](https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/t-mobile-5g-home-internet-review/) - [Xfinity Internet](https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/xfinity-internet-review/) - [AT\&T Internet Air](https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/at-t-internet-air-review/) - [Starlink](https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/starlink-internet-review/) - [Best ISPs](https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/best-internet-providers/) Best Routers - [Best Overall Routers](https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/best-wi-fi-routers/) - [Gaming](https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/best-gaming-routers/) - [Wi-Fi Extenders](https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/best-wifi-extenders/) - [Mesh Wi-Fi Systems](https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/best-mesh-wifi-routers/) Top ISPs by Location - [Chicago, IL](https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/best-internet-providers-in-chicago-il/) - [San Francisco, CA](https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/best-internet-providers-in-san-francisco-ca/) - [Houston, TX](https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/best-internet-providers-in-houston-tx/) - [New York, NY](https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/best-internet-providers-in-new-york-ny/) Back Gaming Reviews, news and buying advice on console, PC, handheld and VR gaming. [Explore all](https://www.cnet.com/tech/gaming/) Nintendo Switch 2 - [How to Buy the Switch 2](https://www.cnet.com/deals/nintendo-switch-2-restock-tracker/) - [Switch 1 vs. Switch 2](https://www.cnet.com/tech/gaming/nintendo-switch-2-vs-switch-1-gamers-start-your-specs-breakdowns/) - [Switch Deals](https://www.cnet.com/deals/best-nintendo-switch-deals/) Best Games by Platform - [Nintendo Switch](https://www.cnet.com/tech/gaming/top-best-nintendo-switch-games/) - [PlayStation 5](https://www.cnet.com/tech/gaming/best-ps5-games/) - [Xbox](https://www.cnet.com/tech/gaming/best-xbox-games-for-xbox-one-series-x-s/) - [PC Games](https://www.cnet.com/tech/gaming/best-pc-games-right-now/) - [Mobile](https://www.cnet.com/tech/gaming/the-15-best-mobile-games-in-2025-top-iphone-and-android-games/) - [Virtual Reality](https://www.cnet.com/tech/gaming/best-vr-games/) Best Gaming Hardware - [VR Headsets](https://www.cnet.com/tech/gaming/best-vr-headset/) - [SSDs for PS5](https://www.cnet.com/tech/gaming/best-m2-ssd/) Best Gaming Deals - [PlayStation Plus](https://www.cnet.com/deals/best-playstation-plus-deals/) - [Xbox Game Pass](https://www.cnet.com/deals/best-xbox-game-pass-deals/) - [Free Xbox Game Pass](https://www.cnet.com/tech/gaming/how-to-get-xbox-game-pass-for-free/) - [Xbox Deals](https://www.cnet.com/deals/best-xbox-deals/) Back TV & Movies When and where to watch TV shows, movies, and live events on streaming services. 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This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. - Science - [Space](https://www.cnet.com/science/space/) # Breaking Down the Mind-Bending Milky Way Black Hole Image Here's why the first black hole images look like fiery doughnuts. ![Headshot of Monisha Ravisetti](https://www.cnet.com/images/logos/cnet_load.png) ![Headshot of Monisha Ravisetti](https://www.cnet.com/images/logos/cnet_load.png) Monisha Ravisetti Former Science Writer Monisha Ravisetti was a science writer at CNET. She covered climate change, space rockets, mathematical puzzles, dinosaur bones, black holes, supernovas, and sometimes, the drama of philosophical thought experiments. Previously, she was a science reporter with a startup publication called The Academic Times, and before that, was an immunology researcher at Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York. She graduated from New York University in 2018 with a B.A. in philosophy, physics and chemistry. When she's not at her desk, she's trying (and failing) to raise her online chess rating. Her favorite movies are Dunkirk and Marcel the Shell with Shoes On. [See full bio](https://www.cnet.com/profiles/mravisetti/) Monisha Ravisetti May 13, 2022 5:00 a.m. PT 6 min read ![Two black holes](https://www.cnet.com/images/logos/cnet_load.png) There are now two images of black holes. Here they are side by side, with the Milky Way's black hole on the right. EHT Collaboration In 2019, astronomers [captured a hidden piece of the universe](https://www.cnet.com/science/first-black-hole-picture-a-breakthrough-look-from-across-the-universe/) for us to download onto our computer screens. It was the first-ever image of a black hole -- and it revealed the violence of the space-borne beast. This chaotic void, dubbed M87\, spews out a jet of light and pierces straight through the galaxy it lives within. But to the untrained Earthling eye, it kind of looks like a Fruit Loop. On May 12, the same crew of wide-eyed scientists managed to best themselves by piecing together yet another [mind-bending image of a cosmic chasm.](https://www.cnet.com/science/space/features/astronomers-reveal-first-groundbreaking-image-of-milky-ways-black-hole/) Though this time, it was of a "quiet, quiescent" black hole in our very own Milky Way galaxy called Sagittarius A\, or Sgr A\. Nonetheless, it also looks like a Fruit Loop, but perhaps one that's getting soggy. Both images are remarkable achievements for the field of astronomy. They're arguably the most breathtaking pictures humanity has laid eyes on. And they look like blurry orange neck pillows -- or, as Feryal Özel, an astrophysicist from the University of Arizona and part of the Event Horizon Telescope Collaboration puts it, "it seems that black holes like doughnuts." So, what are we looking at, exactly? "When we look at the heart of each black hole, we find a bright ring surrounding the black hole shadow," said Özel. Before getting into the details, though, it's important to note both black hole images we see are not the kind of photographs we're used to day-to-day. They come from [radio wave observations](https://www.cnet.com/science/extraordinary-unknown-radio-signal-from-heart-of-milky-way-puzzles-astronomers/), which sort of work by detecting the intensity of light particles, or photons, in space, then translating those signals to visible patterns. Super intense photons are "brighter," for instance. ![eso2208-eht-mwc](https://www.cnet.com/images/logos/cnet_load.png) This image shows the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array in Chile, part of the Event Horizon Telescope Collaboration, looking up at the Milky Way as well as the location of Sagittarius A\, the supermassive black hole at our galactic center. Highlighted in the box is the image of Sagittarius A\* taken by the collaboration. ESO/José Francisco Salgado, EHT Collaboration ## Black holes aren't really black holes A black hole is not exactly black, nor is it exactly a hole. Rather, it's a complex entity with several moving parts, similar to humans having a bunch of biological body systems. But to understand the EHT's recent image of Sgr A\, you need to know three main aspects of black hole anatomy. First, there is the singularity. Black holes are typically formed when ginormous stars collapse and all the former star matter turns into a single point. This point is referred to as "singularity" and has such immense mass -- from the dead star -- that its gravity overcomes anything and everything with the misfortune of treading too close. That includes gas, dust and even light. In fact, the gravitational pull from this entity is so strong it literally warps the fabric of space and time. But, in both the M87\ and Sgr A\* images, this point is invisible to us. We have to imagine it, right at the center. ![anatomy-black-hole](https://www.cnet.com/images/logos/cnet_load.png) An illustration of a black hole's anatomy. ESO Second, there's the event horizon. The event horizon is basically the boundary between our universe and the elusive insides of the void. It sits at a certain, very specific, distance from the singularity point called the Schwarzschild radius. Every black hole has one of these, and this is the bit that probably gives black holes their reputation of being "black." Anything that falls beyond the event horizon gets caught in some concealed realm that appears to us as darkness because even light is trapped in there. Contents beyond the horizon cannot ever come back. We do not know what happens to them. In the EHT images, this alternate reality-esque, spherical space between the singularity and event horizon is signified by the black circles. More specifically, though, the dark central parts are shadows of the event horizon. "The shadow is the image of the event horizon, it's our line of sight into the black hole," said Michael Johnson, EHT member and astrophysicist at the Center for Astrophysics, Harvard Smithsonian. But we'll get back to that. Third, and most importantly for the flaming doughnuts, there is the photon sphere. All around the singularity and the event horizon, shrouds of hot gas and dust are trapped in an eternal orbit around these deafening abysses in what are called accretion disks. If anything from that disk falls within the [Schwarzschild radius](https://www.britannica.com/science/Schwarzschild-radius "(opens in a new window)"), aka beyond the event horizon, it's lost to the black hole universe. But light does something tricky here. And this gives us our black hole picture. Unlike gas or dust, light can sort of delicately tiptoe within the Schwarzschild radius without spiraling into the void. And if those photons travel in just the right way, "light escaping from the hot gas swirling around the black hole appears to us as the bright ring," Özel said. "Light that is close enough to be swallowed by it eventually crosses its horizon and leaves behind just a dark void in the center." That's why the EHT Collaboration dubs their images the "hearts" of black holes. The images are zoomed-in on the photon sphere, which technically roams even closer to the mind-boggling, spacetime-warping singularity than even the event horizon. If these voids were people, we're looking at their beating hearts. In the night sky, for context, the shadow within the ring is about 52 micro-arcseconds, the team said, which is about the size of a doughnut on the Moon as seen from Earth. The video below (adorably) illustrates that point. "We found that we can measure the ring diameter to an accuracy of about 5%," said Johnson. "Most of the uncertainty here is actually because we don't know whether or not the black hole is spinning and the spin has a small effect on the shadow diameter." ## But it's all warped Space and time, or spacetime, around black holes is totally warped. As light particles, or photons, escape the swirling gas accretion disk and test the event horizon's limits, they follow this warped spacetime path. Therefore, the orange light you see on the upper part of the EHT's black hole image isn't really on "top" of the black hole. It's actually associated with the far end of the event horizon and part of a Saturn-like ring around the whole object. The thing is, spacetime's warp forces those far-side photons to "fold" toward us. The following video helps elucidate this. Though it's a simulation of a binary black hole system, notice how when the blue black hole is behind the orange black hole, you can see the entirety of the blue one on the top and bottom of the orange one. This is pretty much what happens to solo black holes too, except with regard to light circling around its singularity. In fact, it's happening to each black hole in the video. Likewise, the event horizon itself follows a sort of warp. We can basically see the far end of the event horizon, and essentially all angles of the horizon there, too. It's all "folded" toward us. Alas, the dark central parts of these images are better considered event horizon "shadows." Just think of them as the point of no return for photons -- one that's visualizable because we see the lucky light particles that didn't get trapped there, loitering aroundthe barrier between the observable universe and... whatever is within the black hole's darkness. In a sense, not only are we looking at images of black holes, but we're looking at direct evidence of warped spacetime. That is, we're looking at direct evidence of Einstein's theory of general relativity, the genius' mind-shattering take on gravity. And, on the note of general relativity, the reason some parts of the light ring are brighter than others is because of a phenomenon called gravitational lensing. Gravitational lensing basically [enhances some photons due to weird spacetime warp consequences](https://www.cnet.com/science/space/how-einsteins-theory-of-general-relativity-could-help-vividly-image-alien-worlds/). ## Sgr A\* specs Now that we know what we're looking at, here are some of the newly imaged black hole's specs. Sgr A\* sits 26,000 light-years from Earth and has a mass equivalent to about 4 million times that of our sun. M87\, by contrast, is something like 54 million light-years away from us and 1,000 times more massive than SgrA\. Also, Sgr A\* is far less violent -- or "hungry" as astronomers sometimes say. It's not consuming as much gas from its surroundings as M87\. ![eso2208-eht-mwe](https://www.cnet.com/images/logos/cnet_load.png) The image shows the scale of Sgr A\ in comparison with both M87\* and other elements of the solar system such as the orbits of Pluto and Mercury. Also displayed is the sun's diameter and the current location of the Voyager 1 space probe, the furthest spacecraft from Earth. EHT Collaboration, Lia Medeiros "We see that only a trickle of material is actually making it all the way to the black hole," Johnson said. "If Sgr A\* were a person, it would consume a single grain of rice every million years." Thus, he says, the black hole is inefficient. "It's only putting out a few hundred times as much energy as the sun, despite being 4 million times as massive -- the only reason we can study it at all is because it's in our own galaxy." 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Readable Markdown	Here's why the first black hole images look like fiery doughnuts. ![Headshot of Monisha Ravisetti](https://www.cnet.com/images/logos/cnet_load.png) Monisha Ravisetti was a science writer at CNET. She covered climate change, space rockets, mathematical puzzles, dinosaur bones, black holes, supernovas, and sometimes, the drama of philosophical thought experiments. Previously, she was a science reporter with a startup publication called The Academic Times, and before that, was an immunology researcher at Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York. She graduated from New York University in 2018 with a B.A. in philosophy, physics and chemistry. When she's not at her desk, she's trying (and failing) to raise her online chess rating. Her favorite movies are Dunkirk and Marcel the Shell with Shoes On. 6 min read In 2019, astronomers [captured a hidden piece of the universe](https://www.cnet.com/science/first-black-hole-picture-a-breakthrough-look-from-across-the-universe/) for us to download onto our computer screens. It was the first-ever image of a black hole -- and it revealed the violence of the space-borne beast. This chaotic void, dubbed M87\, spews out a jet of light and pierces straight through the galaxy it lives within. But to the untrained Earthling eye, it kind of looks like a Fruit Loop. On May 12, the same crew of wide-eyed scientists managed to best themselves by piecing together yet another [mind-bending image of a cosmic chasm.](https://www.cnet.com/science/space/features/astronomers-reveal-first-groundbreaking-image-of-milky-ways-black-hole/) Though this time, it was of a "quiet, quiescent" black hole in our very own Milky Way galaxy called Sagittarius A\, or Sgr A\. Nonetheless, it also looks like a Fruit Loop, but perhaps one that's getting soggy. Both images are remarkable achievements for the field of astronomy. They're arguably the most breathtaking pictures humanity has laid eyes on. And they look like blurry orange neck pillows -- or, as Feryal Özel, an astrophysicist from the University of Arizona and part of the Event Horizon Telescope Collaboration puts it, "it seems that black holes like doughnuts." So, what are we looking at, exactly? "When we look at the heart of each black hole, we find a bright ring surrounding the black hole shadow," said Özel. Before getting into the details, though, it's important to note both black hole images we see are not the kind of photographs we're used to day-to-day. They come from [radio wave observations](https://www.cnet.com/science/extraordinary-unknown-radio-signal-from-heart-of-milky-way-puzzles-astronomers/), which sort of work by detecting the intensity of light particles, or photons, in space, then translating those signals to visible patterns. Super intense photons are "brighter," for instance. ![eso2208-eht-mwc](https://www.cnet.com/images/logos/cnet_load.png) This image shows the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array in Chile, part of the Event Horizon Telescope Collaboration, looking up at the Milky Way as well as the location of Sagittarius A\, the supermassive black hole at our galactic center. Highlighted in the box is the image of Sagittarius A\* taken by the collaboration. ESO/José Francisco Salgado, EHT Collaboration ## Black holes aren't really black holes A black hole is not exactly black, nor is it exactly a hole. Rather, it's a complex entity with several moving parts, similar to humans having a bunch of biological body systems. But to understand the EHT's recent image of Sgr A\, you need to know three main aspects of black hole anatomy. First, there is the singularity. Black holes are typically formed when ginormous stars collapse and all the former star matter turns into a single point. This point is referred to as "singularity" and has such immense mass -- from the dead star -- that its gravity overcomes anything and everything with the misfortune of treading too close. That includes gas, dust and even light. In fact, the gravitational pull from this entity is so strong it literally warps the fabric of space and time. But, in both the M87\ and Sgr A\* images, this point is invisible to us. We have to imagine it, right at the center. ![anatomy-black-hole](https://www.cnet.com/images/logos/cnet_load.png) An illustration of a black hole's anatomy. ESO Second, there's the event horizon. The event horizon is basically the boundary between our universe and the elusive insides of the void. It sits at a certain, very specific, distance from the singularity point called the Schwarzschild radius. Every black hole has one of these, and this is the bit that probably gives black holes their reputation of being "black." Anything that falls beyond the event horizon gets caught in some concealed realm that appears to us as darkness because even light is trapped in there. Contents beyond the horizon cannot ever come back. We do not know what happens to them. In the EHT images, this alternate reality-esque, spherical space between the singularity and event horizon is signified by the black circles. More specifically, though, the dark central parts are shadows of the event horizon. "The shadow is the image of the event horizon, it's our line of sight into the black hole," said Michael Johnson, EHT member and astrophysicist at the Center for Astrophysics, Harvard Smithsonian. But we'll get back to that. Third, and most importantly for the flaming doughnuts, there is the photon sphere. All around the singularity and the event horizon, shrouds of hot gas and dust are trapped in an eternal orbit around these deafening abysses in what are called accretion disks. If anything from that disk falls within the [Schwarzschild radius](https://www.britannica.com/science/Schwarzschild-radius "(opens in a new window)"), aka beyond the event horizon, it's lost to the black hole universe. But light does something tricky here. And this gives us our black hole picture. Unlike gas or dust, light can sort of delicately tiptoe within the Schwarzschild radius without spiraling into the void. And if those photons travel in just the right way, "light escaping from the hot gas swirling around the black hole appears to us as the bright ring," Özel said. "Light that is close enough to be swallowed by it eventually crosses its horizon and leaves behind just a dark void in the center." That's why the EHT Collaboration dubs their images the "hearts" of black holes. The images are zoomed-in on the photon sphere, which technically roams even closer to the mind-boggling, spacetime-warping singularity than even the event horizon. If these voids were people, we're looking at their beating hearts. In the night sky, for context, the shadow within the ring is about 52 micro-arcseconds, the team said, which is about the size of a doughnut on the Moon as seen from Earth. The video below (adorably) illustrates that point. "We found that we can measure the ring diameter to an accuracy of about 5%," said Johnson. "Most of the uncertainty here is actually because we don't know whether or not the black hole is spinning and the spin has a small effect on the shadow diameter." ## But it's all warped Space and time, or spacetime, around black holes is totally warped. As light particles, or photons, escape the swirling gas accretion disk and test the event horizon's limits, they follow this warped spacetime path. Therefore, the orange light you see on the upper part of the EHT's black hole image isn't really on "top" of the black hole. It's actually associated with the far end of the event horizon and part of a Saturn-like ring around the whole object. The thing is, spacetime's warp forces those far-side photons to "fold" toward us. The following video helps elucidate this. Though it's a simulation of a binary black hole system, notice how when the blue black hole is behind the orange black hole, you can see the entirety of the blue one on the top and bottom of the orange one. This is pretty much what happens to solo black holes too, except with regard to light circling around its singularity. In fact, it's happening to each black hole in the video. Likewise, the event horizon itself follows a sort of warp. We can basically see the far end of the event horizon, and essentially all angles of the horizon there, too. It's all "folded" toward us. Alas, the dark central parts of these images are better considered event horizon "shadows." Just think of them as the point of no return for photons -- one that's visualizable because we see the lucky light particles that didn't get trapped there, loitering aroundthe barrier between the observable universe and... whatever is within the black hole's darkness. In a sense, not only are we looking at images of black holes, but we're looking at direct evidence of warped spacetime. That is, we're looking at direct evidence of Einstein's theory of general relativity, the genius' mind-shattering take on gravity. And, on the note of general relativity, the reason some parts of the light ring are brighter than others is because of a phenomenon called gravitational lensing. Gravitational lensing basically [enhances some photons due to weird spacetime warp consequences](https://www.cnet.com/science/space/how-einsteins-theory-of-general-relativity-could-help-vividly-image-alien-worlds/). ## Sgr A\* specs Now that we know what we're looking at, here are some of the newly imaged black hole's specs. Sgr A\* sits 26,000 light-years from Earth and has a mass equivalent to about 4 million times that of our sun. M87\, by contrast, is something like 54 million light-years away from us and 1,000 times more massive than SgrA\. Also, Sgr A\* is far less violent -- or "hungry" as astronomers sometimes say. It's not consuming as much gas from its surroundings as M87\. ![eso2208-eht-mwe](https://www.cnet.com/images/logos/cnet_load.png) The image shows the scale of Sgr A\ in comparison with both M87\* and other elements of the solar system such as the orbits of Pluto and Mercury. Also displayed is the sun's diameter and the current location of the Voyager 1 space probe, the furthest spacecraft from Earth. EHT Collaboration, Lia Medeiros "We see that only a trickle of material is actually making it all the way to the black hole," Johnson said. "If Sgr A\* were a person, it would consume a single grain of rice every million years." Thus, he says, the black hole is inefficient. "It's only putting out a few hundred times as much energy as the sun, despite being 4 million times as massive -- the only reason we can study it at all is because it's in our own galaxy."
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