🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 8 (from laksa006)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa008.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.space.com/31-black-holes-universe.html\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.space.com/31-black-holes-universe.html\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.space.com\/31-black-holes-universe.html","crawl_time":1775737765,"first_indexed_time":1496989771,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,space!www,\/31-black-holes-universe.html s443","src_root_hash":"7770394665477845008","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Images: Black holes of the universe | Space","meta_descriptions":["Black holes are some of the universe's most enigmatic and mysterious objects. Take a tour of some of the most famous ones in the cosmos."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Page 1 of 3:\nPage 1\nThe Event Horizon Telescope captured this image of the supermassive black hole in the center of the galaxy M87.\n(Image credit: EHT Collaboration)\nBlack holes\nare some of the universe's most enigmatic and mysterious objects. The extremely dense and massive objects have such a strong gravitational pull that nothing — not even light — can escape if it gets too close. \nBecause light cannot escape from a black hole's\nevent horizon\n(the point of no return), black holes are difficult to capture in images, as the objects simply appear black. Although they cannot be directly observed, astronomers can observe a black hole's surroundings, which can emit various types of radiation. Scroll through this gallery to see images of black holes throughout the universe, captured with the aid of radiation-detecting telescopes on Earth and in space.\nThe\nfirst-ever photo of a black hole\n, seen above, was captured in 2019 using the Event Horizon Telescope, a planet-scale array of eight ground-based radio telescopes forged through international collaboration, captured this image of the supermassive black hole and its shadow that's in the center of the galaxy M87. \nThis NASA visualization shows how a black hole warps its cosmic neighborhood like a carnival mirror with its immense gravitational pull. \nFull story:\nWeird black hole physics revealed in NASA visualization\nBlasting jets at (almost) the speed of light\n(Image credit: NASA\/CXC\/SAO\/B. Snios et al.)\nThe jets emanating from a famous black hole are cruising along at about 99% the speed of light, according to observations from NASA's Chandra X-Ray Observatory. Researchers spotted the\nspeedy jets\nemanating from a black hole in the galaxy Messier 87 — the same black hole that was imaged directly for the first time by the Event Horizon Telescope. In this wide-field image of Messier 87 from the Chandra X-ray Observatory, the white box indicates the approximate location of the black hole's jet.\nBlack hole boost star birth millions of miles away\n(Image credit: X-ray: NASA\/CXC\/INAF\/R. Gilli et al.; Radio NRAO\/VLA; Optical: NASA\/STScI)\nUsing data from NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory and other telescopes, researchers discovered a black hole that has\nsparked star formation\nin multiple galaxies across tremendous distances. Chandra observed powerful X-rays (red) produced by hot gas circling around a black hole at the center of a galaxy located 9.9 billion light-years from Earth. \nBreaking space news, the latest updates on rocket launches, skywatching events and more!\nCygnus X-1\nNASA Marshall Center\nThe skewed light from near the black hole\nCygnus X-1\nreveals new details about the warped space and extraordinarily powerful magnetic fields close to it. Cygnus X-1, the first black hole ever discovered, is about 10 times the mass of the sun, 18 miles (60 kilometers) wide and 8,000 light-years away from Earth in the constellation Cygnus. It sucks gas away from a closely orbiting blue supergiant star, which super-heats as it spirals inward, emitting high-energy X-rays and gamma rays.\nMWC 656\nGabriel Pérez Díaz\/Servicio MultiMedia\/IAC\nArtist's concept of the\nMWC 656 system\n, which consists of a massive \"Be\" star and a companion black hole. The star rotates at very high speed, ejecting an equatorial disc of matter that is transferred to the black hole through an accretion disk.\nBlowing bubbles\nGallo et al.\/Westerbork radio telescope\nA huge,\ninvisible bubble\nsurrounds the black hole Cygnus X-1. The cavity is carved from space by the activity of the black hole itself and was detected with a radio telescope. The cross marks the location of the black hole Cygnus X-1 in this radio image. The bright region to the left (east) of the black hole is a dense cloud of gas existing in the space between the stars, the interstellar medium.\nSagittarius A*\nJ. Dexter\/E. Agol\/P.C. Fragile\/J.C. McKinney\/The Astrophysical Journal (2010)\nTheoretical calculations predict that the Milky Way's central black hole, called Sagittarius A*, will look like this when imaged by the Event Horizon Telescope. The false-color image shows light radiated by gas swirling around and into a black hole. The dark region in the middle is the \"black hole shadow,\" caused by the black hole bending light around it.\nBlack hole swallows a star\nNASA\/JPL-Caltech\/JHU\/STScI\/Harvard-Smithsonian CfA\nThese images, taken with NASA's Galaxy Evolution Explorer and the Pan-STARRS1 telescope in Hawaii, show a brightening inside a galaxy caused by a flare from its nucleus. The arrow in each image points to the galaxy. The flare is a signature of the galaxy's central\nblack hole shredding a star\nthat wandered too close.\nBlack hole simulation\nNASA's Goddard Space Flight Center\/J. Schnittman, J. Krolik (JHU) and S. Noble (RIT)\nThe inner workings of black holes are a bit clearer thanks to\na supercomputer simulation\nthat showed how matter falling into black holes emits light. By analyzing a simulation of a black hole about the size of a star, researchers saw how two kinds of X-rays can be emitted by the stuff falling into the densest objects in the known universe. This annotated image labels several features in the simulation, including the event horizon of the black hole.\nStuck in the middle with a black hole\nNASA\/CXC\/UFRGS\/R. Nemmen et al.\nThe image shows 1 out of the 9 large galaxies included in a study from NASA's Chandra X-ray observatory about\nhow black holes spin\n. This galaxy, named NGC 5846, contains a supermassive black hole in its center. \nEvidence\nX-ray (NASA\/CXC\/Durham Univ.\/D.Alexander et al.); Optical (NASA\/ESA\/STScI\/IoA\/S.Chapman et al.); Lyman-alpha Optical (NAOJ\/Subaru\/Tohoku Univ.\/T.Hayashino et al.); Infrared (NASA\/JPL-Caltech\/Durham Univ.\/J.Geach et al.)\nOn left, a blob of glowing hydrogen gas appears yellow. On right, the blue light is evidence for a growing supermassive black hole in the center of the galaxy. \nEat to the beat\nFelipe Esquivel Reed\nArtist's schematic impression of the distortion of space-time by a supermassive black hole at the center of a galaxy. The black hole will swallow dark matter at a rate which depends on its mass and on the amount of dark matter around it.\nSmash it up\nNASA\/ESA\/STScI\nA massive black hole hidden at the center of nearby galaxy, Centaurus A, feeds on a smaller galaxy in a spectacular collision.\nWarm jets\nESO\/L. Calçada\nCombining observations done with ESO's Very Large Telescope and NASA's Chandra X-ray telescope, astronomers have uncovered the most powerful pair of jets ever seen from a stellar black hole. The black hole blows a huge bubble of hot gas, 1000 light-years\nCurrent page:\nPage 1\nNext Page\nPage 2\nShare your thoughts\n0\n0\n0\n0\nJoin the community\nJoin the Space.com Family! The best way to keep in touch and to be informed of our latest quizzes and competitions, as well as news and offers.\nAlready have an account?\nLog in\nLog In\nForgotten your password?\nReset it\nNot got an account?\nRegister\nMy Details\nUpdate your details below...\nKeep in the Know\nWould you like to be kept informed about new quizzes and offers from Future and its partners?\nValidate Your Mobile No.\nWe have sent a code to\n. Please enter it below to verify your account.\nUpdate mobile number\nResend code\nUpdate Your Mobile No.\nYou may enter a new mobile number below. You will be sent a verification code to the phone number you provide.\nCancel\nembed-reactions.hint_heading\nembed-reactions.hint_subheading\nValidate Your Email Address\nWe have sent a code to\n. Please enter it below to verify your account.\nUpdate email address\nResend code\nUpdate Your Email Address\nYou may enter a new email address below. You will be sent a verification code to the address you provide.\nCancel\nCreate a Username\nThis will be publicly viewable so make it something you like!\nReset your password\nEnter your email address below. If it is registered with us, we will email you a code that will allow you to reset your password.\nCheck your inbox\nIf your email address was found in our system, you should receive an email in the next few minutes containing a code. Enter that code below to reset your password.\nSet new password\nPlease enter your new password below.\nLeaderboard\nRank\nPlayer\nScore\nTime\nSpace.com is the premier source of space exploration, innovation and astronomy news, chronicling (and celebrating) humanity's ongoing expansion across the final frontier. Originally founded in 1999, Space.com is, and always has been, the passion of writers and editors who are space fans and also trained journalists. Our current news team consists of Editor-in-Chief Tariq Malik; Editor Hanneke Weitering, Senior Space Writer Mike Wall; Senior Writer Meghan Bartels; Senior Writer Chelsea Gohd, Senior Writer Tereza Pultarova and Staff Writer Alexander Cox, focusing on e-commerce. Senior Producer Steve Spaleta oversees our space videos, with Diana Whitcroft as our Social Media Editor. ","attrs_markdown":"![](https:\/\/sb.scorecardresearch.com\/p\/?c1=2&c2=10055482&cv=4.4.0&cj=1)\n\n[Skip to main content](https:\/\/www.space.com\/31-black-holes-universe.html#main)\n\nOpen menu\n\n[![Space](https:\/\/www.space.com\/media\/img\/spc-logo-w.svg) Space](https:\/\/www.space.com\/)\n\n[Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter](https:\/\/www.space.com\/newsletter)\n\n[RSS](https:\/\/www.space.com\/feeds.xml)\n\nSign in\n\n- View Profile\n- Sign out\n\nSearch\n\n- [Space Exploration](https:\/\/www.space.com\/space-exploration)\n  - [Launches & Spacecraft](https:\/\/www.space.com\/space-exploration\/launches-spacecraft)\n    - [Private spaceflight](https:\/\/www.space.com\/space-exploration\/private-spaceflight)\n    - [Human spaceflight](https:\/\/www.space.com\/space-exploration\/human-spaceflight)\n    - [SpaceX](https:\/\/www.space.com\/tag\/spacex)\n    - [Blue Origin](https:\/\/www.space.com\/tag\/blue-origin)\n    - 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The orange galactic cores are visible in the center of the image and long antennae-like spiral arms can be seen stretching into space on either side.](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XqD328YcaR6HyiUGubqzDP.jpg) Astrophotography Astrophotographer captures spectacular photo of Antennae Galaxies dueling in deep space](https:\/\/www.space.com\/stargazing\/astrophotography\/astrophotographer-captures-spectacular-photo-of-antennae-galaxies-dueling-in-deep-space \"Astrophotographer captures spectacular photo of Antennae Galaxies dueling in deep space\")\n\n[![An illustration of a fiery red explosion in space from which a beam of green concentric circles protrudes.](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/he6trTUsHbFfw5rE7UP4wM.png) Astronomy Astronomers missed a space explosion as powerful as a billion suns — until they spotted its echo](https:\/\/www.space.com\/astronomy\/astronomers-missed-a-space-explosion-as-powerful-as-a-billion-suns-until-they-spotted-its-echo \"Astronomers missed a space explosion as powerful as a billion suns — until they spotted its echo\")\n\n[![a colorful ring of wispy gas on a starry background](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nhiYRyMB3dAFivfCQ2Gz6U.jpg) Astronomy New portrait of the oldest-known supernova \\| Space photo of the day for March 27, 2026](https:\/\/www.space.com\/astronomy\/new-portrait-of-the-oldest-known-supernova-space-photo-of-the-day-for-march-27-2026 \"New portrait of the oldest-known supernova | Space photo of the day for March 27, 2026\")\n\n[![A diagram showing the fabric of spacetime with a boxout on the top-left with a blurry blue-white orb with jets shooting from both sides. There\\&\\#039;s a red blurry ring around the orb, but the jets are slightly jutting out from the ring.](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SXUJEe5z5TTEX6dJnju3Xb.png) Galaxies Record-breaking 'space laser' erupts from merging galaxies 8 billion light-years away](https:\/\/www.space.com\/astronomy\/galaxies\/record-breaking-space-laser-erupts-from-merging-galaxies-8-billion-light-years-away \"Record-breaking 'space laser' erupts from merging galaxies 8 billion light-years away\")\n\n[![Two blue and white spirals of light are intertwined in the darkness of space](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jKJ7LmegLNWvreY7He3etm.jpg) Galaxies Space telescopes capture breathtaking galactic hug \\| Space photo of the day for Jan. 8, 2026](https:\/\/www.space.com\/astronomy\/galaxies\/space-telescopes-capture-breathtaking-galactic-hug-space-photo-of-the-day-for-jan-8-2026 \"Space telescopes capture breathtaking galactic hug | Space photo of the day for Jan. 8, 2026\")\n\n[![An illustration shows the JWST in space next to its observations of some of the earliest galaxies ever seen, the so-called \\&quot;little red dots.\\&quot;](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ExCZSbHLLaztex8gVgeUhE.png) Galaxies Are mysterious 'Little Red Dots' discovered by the James Webb Space Telescope actually baby galaxies under construction?](https:\/\/www.space.com\/astronomy\/galaxies\/are-mysterious-little-red-dots-discovered-by-the-james-webb-space-telescope-actually-baby-galaxies-under-construction \"Are mysterious 'Little Red Dots' discovered by the James Webb Space Telescope actually baby galaxies under construction?\")\n\n[![An image of RCW 36 in which the Milky Way nebula appears like a vast cosmic bird of prey](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NYyCe8UQSnhVLsK7RZto3Z.png) Galaxies Cosmic Hawk spreads its wings\\| Space photo of the day for March 6, 2026](https:\/\/www.space.com\/astronomy\/galaxies\/cosmic-hawk-spreads-its-wings-space-photo-of-the-day-for-march-6-2026 \"Cosmic Hawk spreads its wings| Space photo of the day for March 6, 2026 \")\n\n[![An illustration of an orange sphere in space surrounded by a gray ring of material.](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hTJ5qiXjJQFJW3jj2fL9HK.png) Stars Astronomers just watched a star 1,540 times the size of our sun transform into a hypergiant. Will it go supernova?](https:\/\/www.space.com\/astronomy\/stars\/astronomers-just-watched-a-star-1-540-times-the-size-of-our-sun-transform-into-a-hypergiant-will-it-go-supernova \"Astronomers just watched a star 1,540 times the size of our sun transform into a hypergiant. Will it go supernova?\")\n\n[![A grid showing 18 dusty galaxies that look like reddish splotches and golden splotches.](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vuTiXc9HXtEpvxdpxusebF.png) James Webb Space Telescope These 70 dusty galaxies at the edge of our universe could rewrite our understanding of the cosmos](https:\/\/www.space.com\/astronomy\/james-webb-space-telescope\/these-70-dusty-galaxies-at-the-edge-of-our-universe-could-rewrite-our-understanding-of-the-cosmos \"These 70 dusty galaxies at the edge of our universe could rewrite our understanding of the cosmos\")\n\n[![Pink structures looks like dots all across the image. There\\&\\#039;s a boxout that shows a magnified view of one section. One small portion of that magnification represents 10 million light-years. ](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZQyHA4S4kaqxqpH4soe5z4.jpg) Astronomy Astronomers unveil largest 3D universe map of its kind, illuminating 'hidden' cosmic structures](https:\/\/www.space.com\/astronomy\/astronomers-unveil-largest-3d-map-yet-of-hydrogen-light-in-the-early-universe-illuminating-hidden-cosmic-structures \"Astronomers unveil largest 3D universe map of its kind, illuminating 'hidden' cosmic structures\")\n\n[![COSMOS2020-635829 the \\&quot;Cosmic Jellyfish\\&quot; seen for the first time in stunning detail](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tXUXKPAqQdqcXqH8j6TtSH.png) James Webb Space Telescope James Webb Space Telescope spots a stunning 'cosmic jellyfish' that could help solve the mysteries of galactic evolution](https:\/\/www.space.com\/astronomy\/james-webb-space-telescope\/james-webb-space-telescope-spots-a-stunning-cosmic-jellyfish-solve-the-mysteries-of-galactic-evolution-photo \"James Webb Space Telescope spots a stunning 'cosmic jellyfish' that could help solve the mysteries of galactic evolution\")\n\n[![Screenshot from a new NASA animation highlighting some of the universe\\&\\#039;s biggest black holes, including the record-holding TON 618, which is about as massive as 60 billion suns.](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LonKAe8kapjmivFoVTBLRX.jpeg) James Webb Space Telescope James Webb Space Telescope reveals new origin story for the universe's 1st supermassive black holes](https:\/\/www.space.com\/astronomy\/james-webb-space-telescope\/james-webb-space-telescope-data-backs-new-origin-story-for-the-universes-1st-supermassive-black-holes \"James Webb Space Telescope reveals new origin story for the universe's 1st supermassive black holes\")\n\n[![A speculative illustration of tiny primordial black holes. Have physicists just seen one explode?](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2zwJQfcoh55WtPyoSDqgc5.jpg) Black Holes Did astronomers see a black hole explode? An 'impossible' particle that hit Earth in 2023 may tell us](https:\/\/www.space.com\/astronomy\/black-holes\/did-astronomers-see-a-black-hole-explode-an-impossible-particle-that-hit-earth-in-2023-may-tell-us \"Did astronomers see a black hole explode? An 'impossible' particle that hit Earth in 2023 may tell us\")\n\n[![(Main) a superluminous supernova (Inset) a highly magnetic rapidly spinning neutron star or magnetar](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/q8yntMd3NymDrTyuyLgC24.png) Stars Astronomers witness colossal supernova explosion create one of the most magnetic stars in the universe for the first time](https:\/\/www.space.com\/astronomy\/stars\/astronomers-witness-colossal-supernova-explosion-create-one-of-the-most-magnetic-stars-in-the-universe-for-the-first-time \"Astronomers witness colossal supernova explosion create one of the most magnetic stars in the universe for the first time\")\n\n[![An illustration shows dark matter powering the heart of a spiral galaxy](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/69kRCSZKQ5H5nddwqCTGR3.png) Dark Universe Could the Milky Way galaxy's supermassive black hole actually be a clump of dark matter?](https:\/\/www.space.com\/astronomy\/dark-universe\/could-the-milky-way-galaxys-supermassive-black-hole-actually-be-a-clump-of-dark-matter \"Could the Milky Way galaxy's supermassive black hole actually be a clump of dark matter?\")\n\nTrending\n\n- [Artemis 2 LIVE: Moon mission updates](https:\/\/www.space.com\/news\/live\/artemis-2-nasa-moon-mission-launch-updates-april-1-2026#mrfhud=true)\n- [Amazon Spring Sale space deals](https:\/\/www.space.com\/technology\/amazon-spring-sale-deals-for-stargazing-2026-huge-savings-on-telescopes-binoculars-and-cameras)\n- [Night sky tonight\\!](https:\/\/www.space.com\/news\/live\/night-sky-what-you-can-see-tonight-april-1)\n- [Aurora Forecast](https:\/\/www.space.com\/live\/aurora-forecast-northern-lights-possible-tonight-april-1)\n- [Space Calendar](https:\/\/www.space.com\/32286-space-calendar.html)\n- [Live 4K Sen video from space\\!](https:\/\/www.space.com\/astronomy\/earth\/live-4k-video-from-space-see-earth-from-the-iss-with-sharp-eyed-sen-cameras)\n- [Best Drones](https:\/\/www.space.com\/best-drones)\n- [Lego Star Wars deals](https:\/\/www.space.com\/lego-star-wars-deals)\n- [Next Full Moon](https:\/\/www.space.com\/16830-full-moon-calendar.html)\n- [Best Telescopes](https:\/\/www.space.com\/15693-telescopes-beginners-telescope-reviews-buying-guide.html)\n- [Solar System Planets](https:\/\/www.space.com\/16080-solar-system-planets.html)\n- [Best Star Projectors](https:\/\/www.space.com\/best-star-projectors)\n- [Best Binoculars](https:\/\/www.space.com\/26021-best-binoculars.html)\n\n1. [Astronomy](https:\/\/www.space.com\/astronomy)\n2. [Black Holes](https:\/\/www.space.com\/astronomy\/black-holes)\n# Images: Black holes of the universe\n[News](https:\/\/www.space.com\/news)\n\nBy [Space.com Staff](https:\/\/www.space.com\/author\/space-com-staff)\n\npublished\n\nJanuary 24, 2014\n\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. [Here’s how it works](https:\/\/www.space.com\/41418-about-us.html#section-affiliate-advertising-disclosure).\n\nClick for next article\n\nPage 1 of 3:\n\nPage 1\n\n- [Page 1](https:\/\/www.space.com\/31-black-holes-universe.html)\n- [Page 2](https:\/\/www.space.com\/31-black-holes-universe\/2.html)\n- [Page 3](https:\/\/www.space.com\/31-black-holes-universe\/3.html)\n\nShare\n\n- Copy link\n- [Facebook](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.space.com%2F31-black-holes-universe.html)\n- [X](https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=Images%3A+Black+holes+of+the+universe&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.space.com%2F31-black-holes-universe.html)\n- [Whatsapp](whatsapp:\/\/send?text=Images%3A+Black+holes+of+the+universe+https%3A%2F%2Fwww.space.com%2F31-black-holes-universe.html?fwa)\n- [Reddit](https:\/\/www.reddit.com\/submit?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.space.com%2F31-black-holes-universe.html&title=Images%3A+Black+holes+of+the+universe)\n- [Pinterest](https:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.space.com%2F31-black-holes-universe.html&media=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net%2FJP4d5khtQo57pCHGEE8HSd.jpg)\n- [Flipboard](https:\/\/share.flipboard.com\/bookmarklet\/popout?title=Images%3A+Black+holes+of+the+universe&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.space.com%2F31-black-holes-universe.html)\n- [Email](mailto:?subject=I%20found%20this%20webpage&body=Hi,%20I%20found%20this%20webpage%20and%20thought%20you%20might%20like%20it%20https:\/\/www.space.com\/31-black-holes-universe.html)\n\nShare this article\n\nJoin the conversation\n\n[Follow us](https:\/\/google.com\/preferences\/source?q=space.com)\n\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n\nNewsletter\n\nGet the Space.com Newsletter\n\nBreaking space news, the latest updates on rocket launches, skywatching events and more\\!\n\n***\nBy signing up, you agree to our [Terms of services](https:\\\/\\\/futureplc.com\\\/terms-conditions\\\/)  and acknowledge that you have read our [Privacy Notice](https:\\\/\\\/futureplc.com\\\/privacy-policy\\\/). You also agree to receive marketing emails from us that may include promotions from our trusted partners and sponsors, which you can unsubscribe from at any time.\n\nYou are now subscribed\n\nYour newsletter sign-up was successful\n\n***\nWant to add more newsletters?\n\n![Daily Newsletter](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vfpcxVDrtfCysGSjzYjeSg.png)\n\nDelivered daily\n\nDaily Newsletter\n\nBreaking space news, the latest updates on rocket launches, skywatching events and more\\!\n\nSubscribe +\n\n![Watch This Space](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tjzmFi262iKuxrcCtSghKg.jpg)\n\nOnce a month\n\nWatch This Space\n\nSign up to our monthly entertainment newsletter to keep up with all our coverage of the latest sci-fi and space movies, tv shows, games and books.\n\nSubscribe +\n\n![Night Sky This Week](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qsHaEcQ6H695rhBoNZdK5g.jpg)\n\nOnce a week\n\nNight Sky This Week\n\nDiscover this week's must-see night sky events, moon phases, and stunning astrophotos. Sign up for our skywatching newsletter and explore the universe with us\\!\n\nSubscribe +\n\n![Strange New Words](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mk2LrCm68RFHzQhNyQaH2Y.jpg)\n\nTwice a month\n\nStrange New Words\n\nSpace.com's Sci-Fi Reader's Club. Read a sci-fi short story every month and join a virtual community of fellow science fiction fans\\!\n\nSubscribe +\n\n***\nAn account already exists for this email address, please log in.\n\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n\n![The Event Horizon Telescope, a planet-scale array of eight ground-based radio telescopes forged through international collaboration, captured this image of the supermassive black hole and its shadow that\\&\\#039;s in the center of the galaxy M87.](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/V4q7tR2uNk9f3Nqfeds2Yn.jpg)\n\nThe Event Horizon Telescope captured this image of the supermassive black hole in the center of the galaxy M87. (Image credit: EHT Collaboration)\n\n[Black holes](https:\/\/www.space.com\/15421-black-holes-facts-formation-discovery-sdcmp.html) are some of the universe's most enigmatic and mysterious objects. The extremely dense and massive objects have such a strong gravitational pull that nothing — not even light — can escape if it gets too close.\n\nBecause light cannot escape from a black hole's [event horizon](https:\/\/www.space.com\/black-holes-event-horizon-explained.html) (the point of no return), black holes are difficult to capture in images, as the objects simply appear black. Although they cannot be directly observed, astronomers can observe a black hole's surroundings, which can emit various types of radiation. Scroll through this gallery to see images of black holes throughout the universe, captured with the aid of radiation-detecting telescopes on Earth and in space.\n\nThe [first-ever photo of a black hole](https:\/\/www.space.com\/first-black-hole-photo-by-event-horizon-telescope.html), seen above, was captured in 2019 using the Event Horizon Telescope, a planet-scale array of eight ground-based radio telescopes forged through international collaboration, captured this image of the supermassive black hole and its shadow that's in the center of the galaxy M87.\n\nYou may like\n\n- [![(Main) An illustration of the supermassive black hole M87\\* (Inset) the NASA\/JAXA mission XRISM](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7m3KGMqKhwNrKVJp48qVvT.png) NASA X-ray spacecraft stares into the 'eye of the storm' swirling around supermassive black holes](https:\/\/www.space.com\/astronomy\/black-holes\/nasa-x-ray-spacecraft-stares-into-the-eye-of-the-storm-swirling-around-supermassive-black-holes)\n- [![Screenshot from a new NASA animation highlighting some of the universe\\&\\#039;s biggest black holes, including the record-holding TON 618, which is about as massive as 60 billion suns.](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LonKAe8kapjmivFoVTBLRX.jpeg) James Webb Space Telescope reveals new origin story for the universe's 1st supermassive black holes](https:\/\/www.space.com\/astronomy\/james-webb-space-telescope\/james-webb-space-telescope-data-backs-new-origin-story-for-the-universes-1st-supermassive-black-holes)\n- [![An illustration shows a wandering black hole and its home, a shining off center AGN in a dwarf galaxy](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Btgb39DtsLwyEaV6YB9BD8.png) Hubble and Chandra space telescopes hunt for rogue black holes wandering through dwarf galaxies](https:\/\/www.space.com\/astronomy\/black-holes\/hubble-and-chandra-space-telescopes-hunt-for-rogue-black-holes-wandering-through-dwarf-galaxies)\n\n[Click here for more Space.com videos...](https:\/\/videos.space.com\/m\/jo4TXUC5\/revolve-around-a-black-hole-accretion-disk-in-visualization?list=9wzCTV4g)\n\nThis NASA visualization shows how a black hole warps its cosmic neighborhood like a carnival mirror with its immense gravitational pull.\n\n**Full story:** [**Weird black hole physics revealed in NASA visualization**](https:\/\/www.space.com\/incredible-black-hole-visualization.html)\n\n## Blasting jets at (almost) the speed of light\n![In this wide-field image of Messier 87 from the Chandra X-ray Observatory, the white box indicates the approximate location of the jet.](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aPqQfssXwo7V7M2WakN2FV.jpg)\n\n(Image credit: NASA\/CXC\/SAO\/B. Snios et al.)\n\nThe jets emanating from a famous black hole are cruising along at about 99% the speed of light, according to observations from NASA's Chandra X-Ray Observatory. Researchers spotted the [speedy jets](https:\/\/www.space.com\/black-hole-jets-near-speed-of-light.html) emanating from a black hole in the galaxy Messier 87 — the same black hole that was imaged directly for the first time by the Event Horizon Telescope. In this wide-field image of Messier 87 from the Chandra X-ray Observatory, the white box indicates the approximate location of the black hole's jet.\n\n## Black hole boost star birth millions of miles away\n![This composite image combines data from NASA\\&\\#039;s Chandra X-ray Observatory and the NSF\\&\\#039;s Karl Jansky Very Large Array (VLA). Chandra observed powerful X-rays (red) produced by hot gas circling around a black hole at the center of a galaxy located 9.9 billion light-years from Earth. The VLA was used to detect radio-wave emissions (blue) emitted by the jet of high-energy particles streaming from the black hole.](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tnXUXv2rXB2c4n2rVjk2VW.jpg)\n\n(Image credit: X-ray: NASA\/CXC\/INAF\/R. Gilli et al.; Radio NRAO\/VLA; Optical: NASA\/STScI)\n\nUsing data from NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory and other telescopes, researchers discovered a black hole that has [sparked star formation](https:\/\/www.space.com\/black-hole-triggers-widespread-star-formation.html) in multiple galaxies across tremendous distances. Chandra observed powerful X-rays (red) produced by hot gas circling around a black hole at the center of a galaxy located 9.9 billion light-years from Earth.\n\nGet the Space.com Newsletter\n\nBreaking space news, the latest updates on rocket launches, skywatching events and more\\!\n\nBy signing up, you agree to our [Terms of services](https:\\\/\\\/futureplc.com\\\/terms-conditions\\\/)  and acknowledge that you have read our [Privacy Notice](https:\\\/\\\/futureplc.com\\\/privacy-policy\\\/). You also agree to receive marketing emails from us that may include promotions from our trusted partners and sponsors, which you can unsubscribe from at any time.\n## Cygnus X-1\n![NASA Marshall Center](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dQUL3BMSbdhKUjvVTtsjGE.jpg)\n\nNASA Marshall Center\n\nThe skewed light from near the black hole [Cygnus X-1](https:\/\/www.space.com\/11222-black-holes-cygnus-warped-space.html) reveals new details about the warped space and extraordinarily powerful magnetic fields close to it. Cygnus X-1, the first black hole ever discovered, is about 10 times the mass of the sun, 18 miles (60 kilometers) wide and 8,000 light-years away from Earth in the constellation Cygnus. It sucks gas away from a closely orbiting blue supergiant star, which super-heats as it spirals inward, emitting high-energy X-rays and gamma rays.\n\n## MWC 656\n![MWC 656 System\\&\\#039;s Star and Black Hole](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ajp5rxyAPMV7Zdxk4zRfQH.jpg)\n\nGabriel Pérez Díaz\/Servicio MultiMedia\/IAC\n\nArtist's concept of the [MWC 656 system](https:\/\/www.space.com\/24290-quiet-black-hole-discovery.html), which consists of a massive \"Be\" star and a companion black hole. The star rotates at very high speed, ejecting an equatorial disc of matter that is transferred to the black hole through an accretion disk.\n\n## Blowing bubbles\n![Cygnus X-1 black hole and a dense cloud of gas in the space between stars.](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bcgQneQ2s4ikuDQ3A8vJCH.jpg)\n\nGallo et al.\/Westerbork radio telescope\n\nA huge, [invisible bubble](https:\/\/www.space.com\/1441-black-hole-forges-invisible-bubble.html) surrounds the black hole Cygnus X-1. The cavity is carved from space by the activity of the black hole itself and was detected with a radio telescope. The cross marks the location of the black hole Cygnus X-1 in this radio image. The bright region to the left (east) of the black hole is a dense cloud of gas existing in the space between the stars, the interstellar medium.\n\nWhat to read next\n\n- [![Images of the twisted jet of matter OJ287 erupting from a distant black hole as seen by the EHT](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tgMzuuacJWYAtq6kqNFh8J.png) Astronomers watch 2 supermassive black holes caught in a twisted dance with never-before-seen jet behavior](https:\/\/www.space.com\/astronomy\/black-holes\/astronomers-watch-2-supermassive-black-holes-caught-in-a-twisted-dance-with-never-before-seen-jet-behavior)\n- [![An image showing blobs of yellow and purple light with insets of illustrations showing what these blobs could represent.](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BdHb23dnDCzfjWzeVfdgyC.png) Black holes! Supernovas! Merging galaxies! Oh my! Largest radio survey of the cosmos ever reveals 13.7 million powerful cosmic objects and events](https:\/\/www.space.com\/astronomy\/black-holes\/black-holes-supernovas-merging-galaxies-oh-my-largest-radio-survey-of-the-cosmos-ever-reveals-13-7-million-powerful-cosmic-objects-and-events)\n- [![a dense cluster of bright dots of light on a black background](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/i9LaBjFVPGL37PKBwu7VwA.jpg) The 'invisible giant' at the heart of our galaxy \\| Space photo of the day for March 11, 2026](https:\/\/www.space.com\/astronomy\/stars\/the-invisible-giant-at-the-heart-of-our-galaxy-space-photo-of-the-day-for-march-11-2026)\n## Sagittarius A\\*\n![Milky Way\\&\\#039;s Black Hole](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tCkP2uzLSa5GGXhroQHXQb.jpg)\n\nJ. Dexter\/E. Agol\/P.C. Fragile\/J.C. McKinney\/The Astrophysical Journal (2010)\n\nTheoretical calculations predict that the Milky Way's central black hole, called Sagittarius A\\*, will look like this when imaged by the Event Horizon Telescope. The false-color image shows light radiated by gas swirling around and into a black hole. The dark region in the middle is the \"black hole shadow,\" caused by the black hole bending light around it.\n\n## Black hole swallows a star\n![Black Hole Swallows a Star](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZZrX2HAGd6PaWg3ztJtWuQ.jpg)\n\nNASA\/JPL-Caltech\/JHU\/STScI\/Harvard-Smithsonian CfA\n\nThese images, taken with NASA's Galaxy Evolution Explorer and the Pan-STARRS1 telescope in Hawaii, show a brightening inside a galaxy caused by a flare from its nucleus. The arrow in each image points to the galaxy. The flare is a signature of the galaxy's central [black hole shredding a star](https:\/\/www.space.com\/15506-giant-black-hole-swallows-star.html) that wandered too close.\n\n## Black hole simulation\n![black hole simulation, annotated](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pSzix7AsM7pkGGkN3x4DpQ.jpg)\n\nNASA's Goddard Space Flight Center\/J. Schnittman, J. Krolik (JHU) and S. Noble (RIT)\n\nThe inner workings of black holes are a bit clearer thanks to [a supercomputer simulation](https:\/\/www.space.com\/21581-black-hole-supercomputer-simulation.html) that showed how matter falling into black holes emits light. By analyzing a simulation of a black hole about the size of a star, researchers saw how two kinds of X-rays can be emitted by the stuff falling into the densest objects in the known universe. This annotated image labels several features in the simulation, including the event horizon of the black hole.\n\n## Stuck in the middle with a black hole\n![A large galaxy containing a super massive black hole in its center.](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/deuyRTM5oR5fmxz3b3Qf4R.jpg)\n\nNASA\/CXC\/UFRGS\/R. Nemmen et al.\n\nThe image shows 1 out of the 9 large galaxies included in a study from NASA's Chandra X-ray observatory about [how black holes spin](https:\/\/www.space.com\/4843-black-holes-spin-speed-light.html). This galaxy, named NGC 5846, contains a supermassive black hole in its center.\n\n## Evidence\n![The image on the left is a blob of glowing hydrogen gas. Image on the right, blue light is evidence of a growing supermassive black hole.](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DxWStysm9i29efidmqHUhi.jpg)\n\nX-ray (NASA\/CXC\/Durham Univ.\/D.Alexander et al.); Optical (NASA\/ESA\/STScI\/IoA\/S.Chapman et al.); Lyman-alpha Optical (NAOJ\/Subaru\/Tohoku Univ.\/T.Hayashino et al.); Infrared (NASA\/JPL-Caltech\/Durham Univ.\/J.Geach et al.)\n\nOn left, a blob of glowing hydrogen gas appears yellow. On right, the blue light is evidence for a growing supermassive black hole in the center of the galaxy.\n\n## Eat to the beat\n![Felipe Esquivel Reed](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/n9y8Hh2ThRTWFtP9ceGN2G.jpg)\n\nFelipe Esquivel Reed\n\nArtist's schematic impression of the distortion of space-time by a supermassive black hole at the center of a galaxy. The black hole will swallow dark matter at a rate which depends on its mass and on the amount of dark matter around it.\n\n## Smash it up\n![Black hole hidden in the center of a galaxy feeding on a smaller galaxy.](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DSL22g6a8F2hJ3vcn4hPYA.jpg)\n\nNASA\/ESA\/STScI\n\nA massive black hole hidden at the center of nearby galaxy, Centaurus A, feeds on a smaller galaxy in a spectacular collision.\n\n## Warm jets\n![Astronomers uncovered the most powerful pair of jets ever seen from a black hole, blowing a bubble of hot gas, 1000 light years across.](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pwRmMNBLuzCJNUxrbBWE3k.jpg)\n\nESO\/L. Calçada\n\nCombining observations done with ESO's Very Large Telescope and NASA's Chandra X-ray telescope, astronomers have uncovered the most powerful pair of jets ever seen from a stellar black hole. The black hole blows a huge bubble of hot gas, 1000 light-years\n\n- 1\n- [2](https:\/\/www.space.com\/31-black-holes-universe\/2.html)\n- [3](https:\/\/www.space.com\/31-black-holes-universe\/3.html)\n\nCurrent page:  Page 1\n\n[Next Page Page 2](https:\/\/www.space.com\/31-black-holes-universe\/2.html)\n\n**Share your thoughts**\n\n0\n\n0\n\n0\n\n0\n\nRandom QuizPlay a Random Quiz\n\nFilter by Category\n\nJoin the community\n\nJoin the Space.com Family! The best way to keep in touch and to be informed of our latest quizzes and competitions, as well as news and offers.\n\nI'm in\\!\n\nNot right now\n\nAlready have an account? Log in\n\nThis page will close automatically once you have completed the authorisation process\n\nMy Details\n\nUpdate your details below...\n\nKeep in the Know\n\nWould you like to be kept informed about new quizzes and offers from Future and its partners?\n\nOK\n\nValidate Your Mobile No.\n\nWe have sent a code to . 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Enter that code below to reset your password.\n\nSet new password\n\nPlease enter your new password below.\n\nLeaderboard\n\n| Rank | Player | Score | Time |\n|---|---|---|---|\n\nLog In or Register\n\nMore Quizzes\n\nLog Out\n\n![Space.com Staff](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gu9kwKxyosV4QuLip5mtSd.jpg)\n\n[Space.com Staff](https:\/\/www.space.com\/author\/space-com-staff)\n\nSocial Links Navigation\n\nNews and editorial team\n\nSpace.com is the premier source of space exploration, innovation and astronomy news, chronicling (and celebrating) humanity's ongoing expansion across the final frontier. Originally founded in 1999, Space.com is, and always has been, the passion of writers and editors who are space fans and also trained journalists. Our current news team consists of Editor-in-Chief Tariq Malik; Editor Hanneke Weitering, Senior Space Writer Mike Wall; Senior Writer Meghan Bartels; Senior Writer Chelsea Gohd, Senior Writer Tereza Pultarova and Staff Writer Alexander Cox, focusing on e-commerce. Senior Producer Steve Spaleta oversees our space videos, with Diana Whitcroft as our Social Media Editor.\n\nRead more\n\n[![(Main) An illustration of the supermassive black hole M87\\* (Inset) the NASA\/JAXA mission XRISM](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7m3KGMqKhwNrKVJp48qVvT.png) Black Holes NASA X-ray spacecraft stares into the 'eye of the storm' swirling around supermassive black holes](https:\/\/www.space.com\/astronomy\/black-holes\/nasa-x-ray-spacecraft-stares-into-the-eye-of-the-storm-swirling-around-supermassive-black-holes \"NASA X-ray spacecraft stares into the 'eye of the storm' swirling around supermassive black holes\")\n\n[![Screenshot from a new NASA animation highlighting some of the universe\\&\\#039;s biggest black holes, including the record-holding TON 618, which is about as massive as 60 billion suns.](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LonKAe8kapjmivFoVTBLRX.jpeg) James Webb Space Telescope James Webb Space Telescope reveals new origin story for the universe's 1st supermassive black holes](https:\/\/www.space.com\/astronomy\/james-webb-space-telescope\/james-webb-space-telescope-data-backs-new-origin-story-for-the-universes-1st-supermassive-black-holes \"James Webb Space Telescope reveals new origin story for the universe's 1st supermassive black holes\")\n\n[![An illustration shows a wandering black hole and its home, a shining off center AGN in a dwarf galaxy](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Btgb39DtsLwyEaV6YB9BD8.png) Black Holes Hubble and Chandra space telescopes hunt for rogue black holes wandering through dwarf galaxies](https:\/\/www.space.com\/astronomy\/black-holes\/hubble-and-chandra-space-telescopes-hunt-for-rogue-black-holes-wandering-through-dwarf-galaxies \"Hubble and Chandra space telescopes hunt for rogue black holes wandering through dwarf galaxies\")\n\n[![Images of the twisted jet of matter OJ287 erupting from a distant black hole as seen by the EHT](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tgMzuuacJWYAtq6kqNFh8J.png) Black Holes Astronomers watch 2 supermassive black holes caught in a twisted dance with never-before-seen jet behavior](https:\/\/www.space.com\/astronomy\/black-holes\/astronomers-watch-2-supermassive-black-holes-caught-in-a-twisted-dance-with-never-before-seen-jet-behavior \"Astronomers watch 2 supermassive black holes caught in a twisted dance with never-before-seen jet behavior\")\n\n[![An image showing blobs of yellow and purple light with insets of illustrations showing what these blobs could represent.](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BdHb23dnDCzfjWzeVfdgyC.png) Black Holes Black holes! Supernovas! Merging galaxies! Oh my! Largest radio survey of the cosmos ever reveals 13.7 million powerful cosmic objects and events](https:\/\/www.space.com\/astronomy\/black-holes\/black-holes-supernovas-merging-galaxies-oh-my-largest-radio-survey-of-the-cosmos-ever-reveals-13-7-million-powerful-cosmic-objects-and-events \"Black holes! Supernovas! Merging galaxies! Oh my! Largest radio survey of the cosmos ever reveals 13.7 million powerful cosmic objects and events\")\n\n[![a dense cluster of bright dots of light on a black background](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/i9LaBjFVPGL37PKBwu7VwA.jpg) Stars The 'invisible giant' at the heart of our galaxy \\| Space photo of the day for March 11, 2026](https:\/\/www.space.com\/astronomy\/stars\/the-invisible-giant-at-the-heart-of-our-galaxy-space-photo-of-the-day-for-march-11-2026 \"The 'invisible giant' at the heart of our galaxy | Space photo of the day for March 11, 2026\")\n\nLatest in Black Holes\n\n[![A black circle in the center of the illustration surrounded by swirling glowing patterns spiraling outward from it. The left side is colored red while the right side is colored purple.](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JjhmXS8mFkbE5qXSnb8ggA.png) Black Holes Could our universe exist because black holes ate up all the antimatter?](https:\/\/www.space.com\/astronomy\/black-holes\/could-our-universe-exist-because-black-holes-ate-up-all-the-antimatter \"Could our universe exist because black holes ate up all the antimatter?\")\n\n[![An illustration of the supermassive black hole IRAS 05189-2524 which the XRISM spacecraft watched spring back to life](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EfPEznfetDrGHyxBc9hwwQ.png) Black Holes X-ray spacecraft watches monster black hole wake up and fire cosmic bullets at starburst galaxy](https:\/\/www.space.com\/astronomy\/black-holes\/x-ray-spacecraft-watches-monster-black-hole-wake-up-and-fire-cosmic-bullets-at-starburst-galaxy \"X-ray spacecraft watches monster black hole wake up and fire cosmic bullets at starburst galaxy\")\n\n[![ Illustration of an eccentric neutron star–black hole binary. The neutron star’s path is shown in blue and the black hole’s motion in orange as the two objects orbit each other.](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EmaYyXsYbtCknzr4JwN2JD.png) Black Holes Black hole and neutron star mergers push the laws of physics with their odd orbits](https:\/\/www.space.com\/astronomy\/black-holes\/black-hole-and-neutron-star-mergers-push-the-laws-of-physics-with-their-odd-orbits \"Black hole and neutron star mergers push the laws of physics with their odd orbits\")\n\n[![An illustration of colliding black holes setting the fabric of space ringing with gravitational waves.](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AU4KyD58keEkWydH4ooKJh.png) Black Holes The universe is humming with ripples in spacetime: Scientists just doubled our catalog of black hole and neutron star collisions](https:\/\/www.space.com\/astronomy\/black-holes\/the-universe-is-humming-with-ripples-in-spacetime-scientists-just-doubled-our-catalog-of-black-hole-and-neutron-star-collisions \"The universe is humming with ripples in spacetime: Scientists just doubled our catalog of black hole and neutron star collisions\")\n\n[![An image showing blobs of yellow and purple light with insets of illustrations showing what these blobs could represent.](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BdHb23dnDCzfjWzeVfdgyC.png) Black Holes Black holes! Supernovas! Merging galaxies! Oh my! Largest radio survey of the cosmos ever reveals 13.7 million powerful cosmic objects and events](https:\/\/www.space.com\/astronomy\/black-holes\/black-holes-supernovas-merging-galaxies-oh-my-largest-radio-survey-of-the-cosmos-ever-reveals-13-7-million-powerful-cosmic-objects-and-events \"Black holes! Supernovas! Merging galaxies! Oh my! Largest radio survey of the cosmos ever reveals 13.7 million powerful cosmic objects and events\")\n\n[![An illustration of two black circles in the center of the screen separated by a red dot. There\\&\\#039;s a glowing blue circle around both black circles and a red semi-circle at the bottom.](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VAGT8xLGFWzj5UeRpR7pEe.png) Black Holes Starlight warped in the fabric of spacetime could help us find hidden black holes dancing together](https:\/\/www.space.com\/astronomy\/black-holes\/starlight-warped-in-the-fabric-of-spacetime-could-help-us-find-hidden-black-holes-dancing-together \"Starlight warped in the fabric of spacetime could help us find hidden black holes dancing together\")\n\nLatest in News\n\n[![silhouettes of the back of four people looking at an orange rocket.](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mrZQ7FsJFdVZWg79UHm6GF.jpg) ![](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6hyAGA9rr4Sfx6tKWS4zuk-200-100.png) Missions What do scientists hope to learn from NASA's historic Artemis 2 moon flyby?](https:\/\/www.space.com\/space-exploration\/missions\/what-do-scientists-hope-to-learn-from-nasas-historic-artemis-2-moon-flyby \"What do scientists hope to learn from NASA's historic Artemis 2 moon flyby?\")\n\n[![The silhouette of a rocket is pictured at a launch pad with the sun behind at sunset. The sky is golden.](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hyfJDu3tvvKoRoLa2Y6jKN.jpg) ![](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6hyAGA9rr4Sfx6tKWS4zuk-200-100.png) Launches & Spacecraft NASA's Artemis 2 moon launch may be visible from Florida and southern Georgia today. Here's when to look](https:\/\/www.space.com\/space-exploration\/launches-spacecraft\/nasas-artemis-2-moon-launch-may-be-visible-from-florida-and-southern-georgia-today-heres-when-to-look \"NASA's Artemis 2 moon launch may be visible from Florida and southern Georgia today. Here's when to look\")\n\n[![Starlink 34343 experiences a \\&quot;fragmentation event\\&quot; on March 29, 2026](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mtc78EBLEwKXwck97mMmhi.png) Satellites Satellite spies SpaceX Starlink before it breaks apart \\| Space photo of the day for April 1, 2026](https:\/\/www.space.com\/space-exploration\/satellites\/spacex-starlink-spacecraft-breaks-apart-space-photo-of-the-day-for-april-1-2026 \"Satellite spies SpaceX Starlink before it breaks apart | Space photo of the day for April 1, 2026\")\n\n[![An orange full moon shines to the right of a large rocket standing on a launch pad in the darkening blue evening sky.](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5uPGR5pXJqKjR43QQmWZ35.jpg) Stargazing April's full 'Pink Moon' rises tonight — just as NASA readies its Artemis 2 moon mission](https:\/\/www.space.com\/stargazing\/aprils-full-pink-moon-rises-tonight-just-as-nasa-readies-its-artemis-2-moon-mission-april-1-2026 \"April's full 'Pink Moon' rises tonight — just as NASA readies its Artemis 2 moon mission\")\n\n[![graphic showing orion spacecraft flying close to the moon.](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8JqwfQUHA7BGRcEd88CvMi.jpg) Artemis Watch Artemis 2 fly through space in real time with this telescope livestream](https:\/\/www.space.com\/space-exploration\/artemis\/watch-artemis-2-fly-through-space-in-real-time-with-this-telescope-livestream \"Watch Artemis 2 fly through space in real time with this telescope livestream\")\n\n[![four people in blue flight suits and sunglasses smile and wave on a concrete tarmac](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pfi8AKfZCijMkECrpzXijj.jpg) Artemis Yes, NASA's launching Artemis 2 astronauts to the moon on April Fools' Day. It's not a joke.](https:\/\/www.space.com\/space-exploration\/artemis\/yes-nasas-launching-artemis-2-astronauts-to-the-moon-on-april-fools-day-its-not-a-joke \"Yes, NASA's launching Artemis 2 astronauts to the moon on April Fools' Day. It's not a joke.\")\n\nMORE FROM SPACE...\n\n1. [![A two-panel image with a nebula colorful deep space nebula astrophoto on the left and a scene from the movie 'Project Hail Mary' featuring Ryan Gosling on the right with a white divide.](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kPCzMxdXeFLWCYCz5ZJ6vm.jpg)](https:\/\/www.space.com\/stargazing\/astrophotography\/project-hail-mary-end-credits-showcase-stunning-nebula-photos-captured-over-400-hours-by-a-single-astrophotographer-heres-the-inside-story \"'Project Hail Mary' end credits showcase stunning nebula photos captured over 400 hours by a single astrophotographer — here's the inside story\")\n   \n   1\n   \n   ['Project Hail Mary' end credits showcase stunning nebula photos captured over 400 hours by a single astrophotographer — here's the inside story](https:\/\/www.space.com\/stargazing\/astrophotography\/project-hail-mary-end-credits-showcase-stunning-nebula-photos-captured-over-400-hours-by-a-single-astrophotographer-heres-the-inside-story)\n2. 2\n   \n   [2 bright planets light up April evenings — here's where and when to look](https:\/\/www.space.com\/stargazing\/2-bright-planets-light-up-april-evenings-heres-where-and-when-to-look)\n3. 3\n   \n   [What do scientists hope to learn from NASA's historic Artemis 2 moon flyby?](https:\/\/www.space.com\/space-exploration\/missions\/what-do-scientists-hope-to-learn-from-nasas-historic-artemis-2-moon-flyby)\n4. 4\n   \n   [NASA's Artemis 2 moon launch may be visible from Florida and southern Georgia today. Here's when to look](https:\/\/www.space.com\/space-exploration\/launches-spacecraft\/nasas-artemis-2-moon-launch-may-be-visible-from-florida-and-southern-georgia-today-heres-when-to-look)\n5. 5\n   \n   [Watch Artemis 2 fly through space in real time with this telescope livestream](https:\/\/www.space.com\/space-exploration\/artemis\/watch-artemis-2-fly-through-space-in-real-time-with-this-telescope-livestream)\n\nSpace is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. 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Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.\n\nClose\n\nPlease login or signup to comment\n\nPlease wait...\n\nLogin\n\nSign Up","attrs_readable_markdown":"Page 1 of 3: Page 1\n\n![The Event Horizon Telescope, a planet-scale array of eight ground-based radio telescopes forged through international collaboration, captured this image of the supermassive black hole and its shadow that\\&\\#039;s in the center of the galaxy M87.](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/V4q7tR2uNk9f3Nqfeds2Yn.jpg)\n\nThe Event Horizon Telescope captured this image of the supermassive black hole in the center of the galaxy M87. (Image credit: EHT Collaboration)\n\n[Black holes](https:\/\/www.space.com\/15421-black-holes-facts-formation-discovery-sdcmp.html) are some of the universe's most enigmatic and mysterious objects. The extremely dense and massive objects have such a strong gravitational pull that nothing — not even light — can escape if it gets too close.\n\nBecause light cannot escape from a black hole's [event horizon](https:\/\/www.space.com\/black-holes-event-horizon-explained.html) (the point of no return), black holes are difficult to capture in images, as the objects simply appear black. Although they cannot be directly observed, astronomers can observe a black hole's surroundings, which can emit various types of radiation. Scroll through this gallery to see images of black holes throughout the universe, captured with the aid of radiation-detecting telescopes on Earth and in space.\n\nThe [first-ever photo of a black hole](https:\/\/www.space.com\/first-black-hole-photo-by-event-horizon-telescope.html), seen above, was captured in 2019 using the Event Horizon Telescope, a planet-scale array of eight ground-based radio telescopes forged through international collaboration, captured this image of the supermassive black hole and its shadow that's in the center of the galaxy M87.\n\nThis NASA visualization shows how a black hole warps its cosmic neighborhood like a carnival mirror with its immense gravitational pull.\n\n**Full story:** [**Weird black hole physics revealed in NASA visualization**](https:\/\/www.space.com\/incredible-black-hole-visualization.html)\n\n## Blasting jets at (almost) the speed of light\n![In this wide-field image of Messier 87 from the Chandra X-ray Observatory, the white box indicates the approximate location of the jet.](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aPqQfssXwo7V7M2WakN2FV.jpg)\n\n(Image credit: NASA\/CXC\/SAO\/B. Snios et al.)\n\nThe jets emanating from a famous black hole are cruising along at about 99% the speed of light, according to observations from NASA's Chandra X-Ray Observatory. Researchers spotted the [speedy jets](https:\/\/www.space.com\/black-hole-jets-near-speed-of-light.html) emanating from a black hole in the galaxy Messier 87 — the same black hole that was imaged directly for the first time by the Event Horizon Telescope. In this wide-field image of Messier 87 from the Chandra X-ray Observatory, the white box indicates the approximate location of the black hole's jet.\n\n## Black hole boost star birth millions of miles away\n![This composite image combines data from NASA\\&\\#039;s Chandra X-ray Observatory and the NSF\\&\\#039;s Karl Jansky Very Large Array (VLA). Chandra observed powerful X-rays (red) produced by hot gas circling around a black hole at the center of a galaxy located 9.9 billion light-years from Earth. The VLA was used to detect radio-wave emissions (blue) emitted by the jet of high-energy particles streaming from the black hole.](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tnXUXv2rXB2c4n2rVjk2VW.jpg)\n\n(Image credit: X-ray: NASA\/CXC\/INAF\/R. Gilli et al.; Radio NRAO\/VLA; Optical: NASA\/STScI)\n\nUsing data from NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory and other telescopes, researchers discovered a black hole that has [sparked star formation](https:\/\/www.space.com\/black-hole-triggers-widespread-star-formation.html) in multiple galaxies across tremendous distances. Chandra observed powerful X-rays (red) produced by hot gas circling around a black hole at the center of a galaxy located 9.9 billion light-years from Earth.\n\nBreaking space news, the latest updates on rocket launches, skywatching events and more\\!\n\n## Cygnus X-1\n![NASA Marshall Center](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dQUL3BMSbdhKUjvVTtsjGE.jpg)\n\nNASA Marshall Center\n\nThe skewed light from near the black hole [Cygnus X-1](https:\/\/www.space.com\/11222-black-holes-cygnus-warped-space.html) reveals new details about the warped space and extraordinarily powerful magnetic fields close to it. Cygnus X-1, the first black hole ever discovered, is about 10 times the mass of the sun, 18 miles (60 kilometers) wide and 8,000 light-years away from Earth in the constellation Cygnus. It sucks gas away from a closely orbiting blue supergiant star, which super-heats as it spirals inward, emitting high-energy X-rays and gamma rays.\n\n## MWC 656\n![MWC 656 System\\&\\#039;s Star and Black Hole](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ajp5rxyAPMV7Zdxk4zRfQH.jpg)\n\nGabriel Pérez Díaz\/Servicio MultiMedia\/IAC\n\nArtist's concept of the [MWC 656 system](https:\/\/www.space.com\/24290-quiet-black-hole-discovery.html), which consists of a massive \"Be\" star and a companion black hole. The star rotates at very high speed, ejecting an equatorial disc of matter that is transferred to the black hole through an accretion disk.\n\n## Blowing bubbles\n![Cygnus X-1 black hole and a dense cloud of gas in the space between stars.](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bcgQneQ2s4ikuDQ3A8vJCH.jpg)\n\nGallo et al.\/Westerbork radio telescope\n\nA huge, [invisible bubble](https:\/\/www.space.com\/1441-black-hole-forges-invisible-bubble.html) surrounds the black hole Cygnus X-1. The cavity is carved from space by the activity of the black hole itself and was detected with a radio telescope. The cross marks the location of the black hole Cygnus X-1 in this radio image. The bright region to the left (east) of the black hole is a dense cloud of gas existing in the space between the stars, the interstellar medium.\n\n## Sagittarius A\\*\n![Milky Way\\&\\#039;s Black Hole](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tCkP2uzLSa5GGXhroQHXQb.jpg)\n\nJ. Dexter\/E. Agol\/P.C. Fragile\/J.C. McKinney\/The Astrophysical Journal (2010)\n\nTheoretical calculations predict that the Milky Way's central black hole, called Sagittarius A\\*, will look like this when imaged by the Event Horizon Telescope. The false-color image shows light radiated by gas swirling around and into a black hole. The dark region in the middle is the \"black hole shadow,\" caused by the black hole bending light around it.\n\n## Black hole swallows a star\n![Black Hole Swallows a Star](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZZrX2HAGd6PaWg3ztJtWuQ.jpg)\n\nNASA\/JPL-Caltech\/JHU\/STScI\/Harvard-Smithsonian CfA\n\nThese images, taken with NASA's Galaxy Evolution Explorer and the Pan-STARRS1 telescope in Hawaii, show a brightening inside a galaxy caused by a flare from its nucleus. The arrow in each image points to the galaxy. The flare is a signature of the galaxy's central [black hole shredding a star](https:\/\/www.space.com\/15506-giant-black-hole-swallows-star.html) that wandered too close.\n\n## Black hole simulation\n![black hole simulation, annotated](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pSzix7AsM7pkGGkN3x4DpQ.jpg)\n\nNASA's Goddard Space Flight Center\/J. Schnittman, J. Krolik (JHU) and S. Noble (RIT)\n\nThe inner workings of black holes are a bit clearer thanks to [a supercomputer simulation](https:\/\/www.space.com\/21581-black-hole-supercomputer-simulation.html) that showed how matter falling into black holes emits light. By analyzing a simulation of a black hole about the size of a star, researchers saw how two kinds of X-rays can be emitted by the stuff falling into the densest objects in the known universe. This annotated image labels several features in the simulation, including the event horizon of the black hole.\n\n## Stuck in the middle with a black hole\n![A large galaxy containing a super massive black hole in its center.](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/deuyRTM5oR5fmxz3b3Qf4R.jpg)\n\nNASA\/CXC\/UFRGS\/R. Nemmen et al.\n\nThe image shows 1 out of the 9 large galaxies included in a study from NASA's Chandra X-ray observatory about [how black holes spin](https:\/\/www.space.com\/4843-black-holes-spin-speed-light.html). This galaxy, named NGC 5846, contains a supermassive black hole in its center.\n\n## Evidence\n![The image on the left is a blob of glowing hydrogen gas. Image on the right, blue light is evidence of a growing supermassive black hole.](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DxWStysm9i29efidmqHUhi.jpg)\n\nX-ray (NASA\/CXC\/Durham Univ.\/D.Alexander et al.); Optical (NASA\/ESA\/STScI\/IoA\/S.Chapman et al.); Lyman-alpha Optical (NAOJ\/Subaru\/Tohoku Univ.\/T.Hayashino et al.); Infrared (NASA\/JPL-Caltech\/Durham Univ.\/J.Geach et al.)\n\nOn left, a blob of glowing hydrogen gas appears yellow. On right, the blue light is evidence for a growing supermassive black hole in the center of the galaxy.\n\n## Eat to the beat\n![Felipe Esquivel Reed](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/n9y8Hh2ThRTWFtP9ceGN2G.jpg)\n\nFelipe Esquivel Reed\n\nArtist's schematic impression of the distortion of space-time by a supermassive black hole at the center of a galaxy. The black hole will swallow dark matter at a rate which depends on its mass and on the amount of dark matter around it.\n\n## Smash it up\n![Black hole hidden in the center of a galaxy feeding on a smaller galaxy.](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DSL22g6a8F2hJ3vcn4hPYA.jpg)\n\nNASA\/ESA\/STScI\n\nA massive black hole hidden at the center of nearby galaxy, Centaurus A, feeds on a smaller galaxy in a spectacular collision.\n\n## Warm jets\n![Astronomers uncovered the most powerful pair of jets ever seen from a black hole, blowing a bubble of hot gas, 1000 light years across.](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pwRmMNBLuzCJNUxrbBWE3k.jpg)\n\nESO\/L. Calçada\n\nCombining observations done with ESO's Very Large Telescope and NASA's Chandra X-ray telescope, astronomers have uncovered the most powerful pair of jets ever seen from a stellar black hole. The black hole blows a huge bubble of hot gas, 1000 light-years\n\nCurrent page:  Page 1\n\n[Next Page Page 2](https:\/\/www.space.com\/31-black-holes-universe\/2.html)\n\n**Share your thoughts**\n\n0\n\n0\n\n0\n\n0\n\nJoin the community\n\nJoin the Space.com Family! The best way to keep in touch and to be informed of our latest quizzes and competitions, as well as news and offers.\n\nAlready have an account? Log in\n\nMy Details\n\nUpdate your details below...\n\nKeep in the Know\n\nWould you like to be kept informed about new quizzes and offers from Future and its partners?\n\nValidate Your Mobile No.\n\nWe have sent a code to . Please enter it below to verify your account.\n\nUpdate Your Mobile No.\n\nYou may enter a new mobile number below. You will be sent a verification code to the phone number you provide.\n\nembed-reactions.hint\\_heading\n\nembed-reactions.hint\\_subheading\n\nValidate Your Email Address\n\nWe have sent a code to . 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Boilerpipe Text	Page 1 of 3: Page 1 The Event Horizon Telescope captured this image of the supermassive black hole in the center of the galaxy M87. (Image credit: EHT Collaboration) Black holes are some of the universe's most enigmatic and mysterious objects. The extremely dense and massive objects have such a strong gravitational pull that nothing — not even light — can escape if it gets too close. Because light cannot escape from a black hole's event horizon (the point of no return), black holes are difficult to capture in images, as the objects simply appear black. Although they cannot be directly observed, astronomers can observe a black hole's surroundings, which can emit various types of radiation. Scroll through this gallery to see images of black holes throughout the universe, captured with the aid of radiation-detecting telescopes on Earth and in space. The first-ever photo of a black hole , seen above, was captured in 2019 using the Event Horizon Telescope, a planet-scale array of eight ground-based radio telescopes forged through international collaboration, captured this image of the supermassive black hole and its shadow that's in the center of the galaxy M87. This NASA visualization shows how a black hole warps its cosmic neighborhood like a carnival mirror with its immense gravitational pull. Full story: Weird black hole physics revealed in NASA visualization Blasting jets at (almost) the speed of light (Image credit: NASA/CXC/SAO/B. Snios et al.) The jets emanating from a famous black hole are cruising along at about 99% the speed of light, according to observations from NASA's Chandra X-Ray Observatory. Researchers spotted the speedy jets emanating from a black hole in the galaxy Messier 87 — the same black hole that was imaged directly for the first time by the Event Horizon Telescope. In this wide-field image of Messier 87 from the Chandra X-ray Observatory, the white box indicates the approximate location of the black hole's jet. Black hole boost star birth millions of miles away (Image credit: X-ray: NASA/CXC/INAF/R. Gilli et al.; Radio NRAO/VLA; Optical: NASA/STScI) Using data from NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory and other telescopes, researchers discovered a black hole that has sparked star formation in multiple galaxies across tremendous distances. Chandra observed powerful X-rays (red) produced by hot gas circling around a black hole at the center of a galaxy located 9.9 billion light-years from Earth. Breaking space news, the latest updates on rocket launches, skywatching events and more! Cygnus X-1 NASA Marshall Center The skewed light from near the black hole Cygnus X-1 reveals new details about the warped space and extraordinarily powerful magnetic fields close to it. Cygnus X-1, the first black hole ever discovered, is about 10 times the mass of the sun, 18 miles (60 kilometers) wide and 8,000 light-years away from Earth in the constellation Cygnus. It sucks gas away from a closely orbiting blue supergiant star, which super-heats as it spirals inward, emitting high-energy X-rays and gamma rays. MWC 656 Gabriel Pérez Díaz/Servicio MultiMedia/IAC Artist's concept of the MWC 656 system , which consists of a massive "Be" star and a companion black hole. The star rotates at very high speed, ejecting an equatorial disc of matter that is transferred to the black hole through an accretion disk. Blowing bubbles Gallo et al./Westerbork radio telescope A huge, invisible bubble surrounds the black hole Cygnus X-1. The cavity is carved from space by the activity of the black hole itself and was detected with a radio telescope. The cross marks the location of the black hole Cygnus X-1 in this radio image. The bright region to the left (east) of the black hole is a dense cloud of gas existing in the space between the stars, the interstellar medium. Sagittarius A* J. Dexter/E. Agol/P.C. Fragile/J.C. McKinney/The Astrophysical Journal (2010) Theoretical calculations predict that the Milky Way's central black hole, called Sagittarius A*, will look like this when imaged by the Event Horizon Telescope. The false-color image shows light radiated by gas swirling around and into a black hole. The dark region in the middle is the "black hole shadow," caused by the black hole bending light around it. Black hole swallows a star NASA/JPL-Caltech/JHU/STScI/Harvard-Smithsonian CfA These images, taken with NASA's Galaxy Evolution Explorer and the Pan-STARRS1 telescope in Hawaii, show a brightening inside a galaxy caused by a flare from its nucleus. The arrow in each image points to the galaxy. The flare is a signature of the galaxy's central black hole shredding a star that wandered too close. Black hole simulation NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center/J. Schnittman, J. Krolik (JHU) and S. Noble (RIT) The inner workings of black holes are a bit clearer thanks to a supercomputer simulation that showed how matter falling into black holes emits light. By analyzing a simulation of a black hole about the size of a star, researchers saw how two kinds of X-rays can be emitted by the stuff falling into the densest objects in the known universe. This annotated image labels several features in the simulation, including the event horizon of the black hole. Stuck in the middle with a black hole NASA/CXC/UFRGS/R. Nemmen et al. The image shows 1 out of the 9 large galaxies included in a study from NASA's Chandra X-ray observatory about how black holes spin . This galaxy, named NGC 5846, contains a supermassive black hole in its center. Evidence X-ray (NASA/CXC/Durham Univ./D.Alexander et al.); Optical (NASA/ESA/STScI/IoA/S.Chapman et al.); Lyman-alpha Optical (NAOJ/Subaru/Tohoku Univ./T.Hayashino et al.); Infrared (NASA/JPL-Caltech/Durham Univ./J.Geach et al.) On left, a blob of glowing hydrogen gas appears yellow. On right, the blue light is evidence for a growing supermassive black hole in the center of the galaxy. Eat to the beat Felipe Esquivel Reed Artist's schematic impression of the distortion of space-time by a supermassive black hole at the center of a galaxy. The black hole will swallow dark matter at a rate which depends on its mass and on the amount of dark matter around it. Smash it up NASA/ESA/STScI A massive black hole hidden at the center of nearby galaxy, Centaurus A, feeds on a smaller galaxy in a spectacular collision. Warm jets ESO/L. Calçada Combining observations done with ESO's Very Large Telescope and NASA's Chandra X-ray telescope, astronomers have uncovered the most powerful pair of jets ever seen from a stellar black hole. The black hole blows a huge bubble of hot gas, 1000 light-years Current page: Page 1 Next Page Page 2 Share your thoughts 0 0 0 0 Join the community Join the Space.com Family! The best way to keep in touch and to be informed of our latest quizzes and competitions, as well as news and offers. Already have an account? Log in Log In Forgotten your password? Reset it Not got an account? Register My Details Update your details below... Keep in the Know Would you like to be kept informed about new quizzes and offers from Future and its partners? Validate Your Mobile No. We have sent a code to . Please enter it below to verify your account. Update mobile number Resend code Update Your Mobile No. You may enter a new mobile number below. You will be sent a verification code to the phone number you provide. Cancel embed-reactions.hint_heading embed-reactions.hint_subheading Validate Your Email Address We have sent a code to . Please enter it below to verify your account. Update email address Resend code Update Your Email Address You may enter a new email address below. You will be sent a verification code to the address you provide. Cancel Create a Username This will be publicly viewable so make it something you like! Reset your password Enter your email address below. If it is registered with us, we will email you a code that will allow you to reset your password. Check your inbox If your email address was found in our system, you should receive an email in the next few minutes containing a code. Enter that code below to reset your password. Set new password Please enter your new password below. Leaderboard Rank Player Score Time Space.com is the premier source of space exploration, innovation and astronomy news, chronicling (and celebrating) humanity's ongoing expansion across the final frontier. Originally founded in 1999, Space.com is, and always has been, the passion of writers and editors who are space fans and also trained journalists. Our current news team consists of Editor-in-Chief Tariq Malik; Editor Hanneke Weitering, Senior Space Writer Mike Wall; Senior Writer Meghan Bartels; Senior Writer Chelsea Gohd, Senior Writer Tereza Pultarova and Staff Writer Alexander Cox, focusing on e-commerce. Senior Producer Steve Spaleta oversees our space videos, with Diana Whitcroft as our Social Media Editor.
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There\&\#039;s a red blurry ring around the orb, but the jets are slightly jutting out from the ring.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/SXUJEe5z5TTEX6dJnju3Xb.png) Galaxies Record-breaking 'space laser' erupts from merging galaxies 8 billion light-years away](https://www.space.com/astronomy/galaxies/record-breaking-space-laser-erupts-from-merging-galaxies-8-billion-light-years-away "Record-breaking 'space laser' erupts from merging galaxies 8 billion light-years away") [![Two blue and white spirals of light are intertwined in the darkness of space](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/jKJ7LmegLNWvreY7He3etm.jpg) Galaxies Space telescopes capture breathtaking galactic hug \\| Space photo of the day for Jan. 8, 2026](https://www.space.com/astronomy/galaxies/space-telescopes-capture-breathtaking-galactic-hug-space-photo-of-the-day-for-jan-8-2026 "Space telescopes capture breathtaking galactic hug \| Space photo of the day for Jan. 8, 2026") [![An illustration shows the JWST in space next to its observations of some of the earliest galaxies ever seen, the so-called \"little red dots.\"](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ExCZSbHLLaztex8gVgeUhE.png) Galaxies Are mysterious 'Little Red Dots' discovered by the James Webb Space Telescope actually baby galaxies under construction?](https://www.space.com/astronomy/galaxies/are-mysterious-little-red-dots-discovered-by-the-james-webb-space-telescope-actually-baby-galaxies-under-construction "Are mysterious 'Little Red Dots' discovered by the James Webb Space Telescope actually baby galaxies under construction?") [![An image of RCW 36 in which the Milky Way nebula appears like a vast cosmic bird of prey](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/NYyCe8UQSnhVLsK7RZto3Z.png) Galaxies Cosmic Hawk spreads its wings\\| Space photo of the day for March 6, 2026](https://www.space.com/astronomy/galaxies/cosmic-hawk-spreads-its-wings-space-photo-of-the-day-for-march-6-2026 "Cosmic Hawk spreads its wings\| Space photo of the day for March 6, 2026 ") [![An illustration of an orange sphere in space surrounded by a gray ring of material.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hTJ5qiXjJQFJW3jj2fL9HK.png) Stars Astronomers just watched a star 1,540 times the size of our sun transform into a hypergiant. Will it go supernova?](https://www.space.com/astronomy/stars/astronomers-just-watched-a-star-1-540-times-the-size-of-our-sun-transform-into-a-hypergiant-will-it-go-supernova "Astronomers just watched a star 1,540 times the size of our sun transform into a hypergiant. Will it go supernova?") [![A grid showing 18 dusty galaxies that look like reddish splotches and golden splotches.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/vuTiXc9HXtEpvxdpxusebF.png) James Webb Space Telescope These 70 dusty galaxies at the edge of our universe could rewrite our understanding of the cosmos](https://www.space.com/astronomy/james-webb-space-telescope/these-70-dusty-galaxies-at-the-edge-of-our-universe-could-rewrite-our-understanding-of-the-cosmos "These 70 dusty galaxies at the edge of our universe could rewrite our understanding of the cosmos") [![Pink structures looks like dots all across the image. There\&\#039;s a boxout that shows a magnified view of one section. One small portion of that magnification represents 10 million light-years. ](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ZQyHA4S4kaqxqpH4soe5z4.jpg) Astronomy Astronomers unveil largest 3D universe map of its kind, illuminating 'hidden' cosmic structures](https://www.space.com/astronomy/astronomers-unveil-largest-3d-map-yet-of-hydrogen-light-in-the-early-universe-illuminating-hidden-cosmic-structures "Astronomers unveil largest 3D universe map of its kind, illuminating 'hidden' cosmic structures") [![COSMOS2020-635829 the \"Cosmic Jellyfish\" seen for the first time in stunning detail](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/tXUXKPAqQdqcXqH8j6TtSH.png) James Webb Space Telescope James Webb Space Telescope spots a stunning 'cosmic jellyfish' that could help solve the mysteries of galactic evolution](https://www.space.com/astronomy/james-webb-space-telescope/james-webb-space-telescope-spots-a-stunning-cosmic-jellyfish-solve-the-mysteries-of-galactic-evolution-photo "James Webb Space Telescope spots a stunning 'cosmic jellyfish' that could help solve the mysteries of galactic evolution") [![Screenshot from a new NASA animation highlighting some of the universe\&\#039;s biggest black holes, including the record-holding TON 618, which is about as massive as 60 billion suns.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/LonKAe8kapjmivFoVTBLRX.jpeg) James Webb Space Telescope James Webb Space Telescope reveals new origin story for the universe's 1st supermassive black holes](https://www.space.com/astronomy/james-webb-space-telescope/james-webb-space-telescope-data-backs-new-origin-story-for-the-universes-1st-supermassive-black-holes "James Webb Space Telescope reveals new origin story for the universe's 1st supermassive black holes") [![A speculative illustration of tiny primordial black holes. 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An 'impossible' particle that hit Earth in 2023 may tell us") [![(Main) a superluminous supernova (Inset) a highly magnetic rapidly spinning neutron star or magnetar](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/q8yntMd3NymDrTyuyLgC24.png) Stars Astronomers witness colossal supernova explosion create one of the most magnetic stars in the universe for the first time](https://www.space.com/astronomy/stars/astronomers-witness-colossal-supernova-explosion-create-one-of-the-most-magnetic-stars-in-the-universe-for-the-first-time "Astronomers witness colossal supernova explosion create one of the most magnetic stars in the universe for the first time") [![An illustration shows dark matter powering the heart of a spiral galaxy](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/69kRCSZKQ5H5nddwqCTGR3.png) Dark Universe Could the Milky Way galaxy's supermassive black hole actually be a clump of dark matter?](https://www.space.com/astronomy/dark-universe/could-the-milky-way-galaxys-supermassive-black-hole-actually-be-a-clump-of-dark-matter "Could the Milky Way galaxy's supermassive black hole actually be a clump of dark matter?") 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[Astronomy](https://www.space.com/astronomy) 2. [Black Holes](https://www.space.com/astronomy/black-holes) # Images: Black holes of the universe [News](https://www.space.com/news) By [Space.com Staff](https://www.space.com/author/space-com-staff) published January 24, 2014 When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. [Here’s how it works](https://www.space.com/41418-about-us.html#section-affiliate-advertising-disclosure). 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You also agree to receive marketing emails from us that may include promotions from our trusted partners and sponsors, which you can unsubscribe from at any time. You are now subscribed Your newsletter sign-up was successful * Want to add more newsletters? ![Daily Newsletter](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/vfpcxVDrtfCysGSjzYjeSg.png) Delivered daily Daily Newsletter Breaking space news, the latest updates on rocket launches, skywatching events and more\! Subscribe + ![Watch This Space](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/tjzmFi262iKuxrcCtSghKg.jpg) Once a month Watch This Space Sign up to our monthly entertainment newsletter to keep up with all our coverage of the latest sci-fi and space movies, tv shows, games and books. Subscribe + ![Night Sky This Week](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/qsHaEcQ6H695rhBoNZdK5g.jpg) Once a week Night Sky This Week Discover this week's must-see night sky events, moon phases, and stunning astrophotos. Sign up for our skywatching newsletter and explore the universe with us\! Subscribe + ![Strange New Words](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Mk2LrCm68RFHzQhNyQaH2Y.jpg) Twice a month Strange New Words Space.com's Sci-Fi Reader's Club. Read a sci-fi short story every month and join a virtual community of fellow science fiction fans\! Subscribe + *** An account already exists for this email address, please log in. Subscribe to our newsletter ![The Event Horizon Telescope, a planet-scale array of eight ground-based radio telescopes forged through international collaboration, captured this image of the supermassive black hole and its shadow that\&\#039;s in the center of the galaxy M87.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/V4q7tR2uNk9f3Nqfeds2Yn.jpg) The Event Horizon Telescope captured this image of the supermassive black hole in the center of the galaxy M87. (Image credit: EHT Collaboration) [Black holes](https://www.space.com/15421-black-holes-facts-formation-discovery-sdcmp.html) are some of the universe's most enigmatic and mysterious objects. The extremely dense and massive objects have such a strong gravitational pull that nothing — not even light — can escape if it gets too close. Because light cannot escape from a black hole's [event horizon](https://www.space.com/black-holes-event-horizon-explained.html) (the point of no return), black holes are difficult to capture in images, as the objects simply appear black. Although they cannot be directly observed, astronomers can observe a black hole's surroundings, which can emit various types of radiation. Scroll through this gallery to see images of black holes throughout the universe, captured with the aid of radiation-detecting telescopes on Earth and in space. The [first-ever photo of a black hole](https://www.space.com/first-black-hole-photo-by-event-horizon-telescope.html), seen above, was captured in 2019 using the Event Horizon Telescope, a planet-scale array of eight ground-based radio telescopes forged through international collaboration, captured this image of the supermassive black hole and its shadow that's in the center of the galaxy M87. You may like - [![(Main) An illustration of the supermassive black hole M87\* (Inset) the NASA/JAXA mission XRISM](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/7m3KGMqKhwNrKVJp48qVvT.png) NASA X-ray spacecraft stares into the 'eye of the storm' swirling around supermassive black holes](https://www.space.com/astronomy/black-holes/nasa-x-ray-spacecraft-stares-into-the-eye-of-the-storm-swirling-around-supermassive-black-holes) - [![Screenshot from a new NASA animation highlighting some of the universe\&\#039;s biggest black holes, including the record-holding TON 618, which is about as massive as 60 billion suns.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/LonKAe8kapjmivFoVTBLRX.jpeg) James Webb Space Telescope reveals new origin story for the universe's 1st supermassive black holes](https://www.space.com/astronomy/james-webb-space-telescope/james-webb-space-telescope-data-backs-new-origin-story-for-the-universes-1st-supermassive-black-holes) - [![An illustration shows a wandering black hole and its home, a shining off center AGN in a dwarf galaxy](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Btgb39DtsLwyEaV6YB9BD8.png) Hubble and Chandra space telescopes hunt for rogue black holes wandering through dwarf galaxies](https://www.space.com/astronomy/black-holes/hubble-and-chandra-space-telescopes-hunt-for-rogue-black-holes-wandering-through-dwarf-galaxies) [Click here for more Space.com videos...](https://videos.space.com/m/jo4TXUC5/revolve-around-a-black-hole-accretion-disk-in-visualization?list=9wzCTV4g) This NASA visualization shows how a black hole warps its cosmic neighborhood like a carnival mirror with its immense gravitational pull. Full story: [Weird black hole physics revealed in NASA visualization](https://www.space.com/incredible-black-hole-visualization.html) ## Blasting jets at (almost) the speed of light ![In this wide-field image of Messier 87 from the Chandra X-ray Observatory, the white box indicates the approximate location of the jet.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/aPqQfssXwo7V7M2WakN2FV.jpg) (Image credit: NASA/CXC/SAO/B. Snios et al.) The jets emanating from a famous black hole are cruising along at about 99% the speed of light, according to observations from NASA's Chandra X-Ray Observatory. Researchers spotted the [speedy jets](https://www.space.com/black-hole-jets-near-speed-of-light.html) emanating from a black hole in the galaxy Messier 87 — the same black hole that was imaged directly for the first time by the Event Horizon Telescope. In this wide-field image of Messier 87 from the Chandra X-ray Observatory, the white box indicates the approximate location of the black hole's jet. ## Black hole boost star birth millions of miles away ![This composite image combines data from NASA\&\#039;s Chandra X-ray Observatory and the NSF\&\#039;s Karl Jansky Very Large Array (VLA). Chandra observed powerful X-rays (red) produced by hot gas circling around a black hole at the center of a galaxy located 9.9 billion light-years from Earth. The VLA was used to detect radio-wave emissions (blue) emitted by the jet of high-energy particles streaming from the black hole.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/tnXUXv2rXB2c4n2rVjk2VW.jpg) (Image credit: X-ray: NASA/CXC/INAF/R. Gilli et al.; Radio NRAO/VLA; Optical: NASA/STScI) Using data from NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory and other telescopes, researchers discovered a black hole that has [sparked star formation](https://www.space.com/black-hole-triggers-widespread-star-formation.html) in multiple galaxies across tremendous distances. Chandra observed powerful X-rays (red) produced by hot gas circling around a black hole at the center of a galaxy located 9.9 billion light-years from Earth. Get the Space.com Newsletter Breaking space news, the latest updates on rocket launches, skywatching events and more\! By signing up, you agree to our [Terms of services](https:\/\/futureplc.com\/terms-conditions\/) and acknowledge that you have read our [Privacy Notice](https:\/\/futureplc.com\/privacy-policy\/). You also agree to receive marketing emails from us that may include promotions from our trusted partners and sponsors, which you can unsubscribe from at any time. ## Cygnus X-1 ![NASA Marshall Center](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/dQUL3BMSbdhKUjvVTtsjGE.jpg) NASA Marshall Center The skewed light from near the black hole [Cygnus X-1](https://www.space.com/11222-black-holes-cygnus-warped-space.html) reveals new details about the warped space and extraordinarily powerful magnetic fields close to it. Cygnus X-1, the first black hole ever discovered, is about 10 times the mass of the sun, 18 miles (60 kilometers) wide and 8,000 light-years away from Earth in the constellation Cygnus. It sucks gas away from a closely orbiting blue supergiant star, which super-heats as it spirals inward, emitting high-energy X-rays and gamma rays. ## MWC 656 ![MWC 656 System\&\#039;s Star and Black Hole](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ajp5rxyAPMV7Zdxk4zRfQH.jpg) Gabriel Pérez Díaz/Servicio MultiMedia/IAC Artist's concept of the [MWC 656 system](https://www.space.com/24290-quiet-black-hole-discovery.html), which consists of a massive "Be" star and a companion black hole. The star rotates at very high speed, ejecting an equatorial disc of matter that is transferred to the black hole through an accretion disk. ## Blowing bubbles ![Cygnus X-1 black hole and a dense cloud of gas in the space between stars.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/bcgQneQ2s4ikuDQ3A8vJCH.jpg) Gallo et al./Westerbork radio telescope A huge, [invisible bubble](https://www.space.com/1441-black-hole-forges-invisible-bubble.html) surrounds the black hole Cygnus X-1. The cavity is carved from space by the activity of the black hole itself and was detected with a radio telescope. The cross marks the location of the black hole Cygnus X-1 in this radio image. The bright region to the left (east) of the black hole is a dense cloud of gas existing in the space between the stars, the interstellar medium. What to read next - [![Images of the twisted jet of matter OJ287 erupting from a distant black hole as seen by the EHT](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/tgMzuuacJWYAtq6kqNFh8J.png) Astronomers watch 2 supermassive black holes caught in a twisted dance with never-before-seen jet behavior](https://www.space.com/astronomy/black-holes/astronomers-watch-2-supermassive-black-holes-caught-in-a-twisted-dance-with-never-before-seen-jet-behavior) - [![An image showing blobs of yellow and purple light with insets of illustrations showing what these blobs could represent.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/BdHb23dnDCzfjWzeVfdgyC.png) Black holes! Supernovas! Merging galaxies! Oh my! Largest radio survey of the cosmos ever reveals 13.7 million powerful cosmic objects and events](https://www.space.com/astronomy/black-holes/black-holes-supernovas-merging-galaxies-oh-my-largest-radio-survey-of-the-cosmos-ever-reveals-13-7-million-powerful-cosmic-objects-and-events) - [![a dense cluster of bright dots of light on a black background](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/i9LaBjFVPGL37PKBwu7VwA.jpg) The 'invisible giant' at the heart of our galaxy \\| Space photo of the day for March 11, 2026](https://www.space.com/astronomy/stars/the-invisible-giant-at-the-heart-of-our-galaxy-space-photo-of-the-day-for-march-11-2026) ## Sagittarius A\* ![Milky Way\&\#039;s Black Hole](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/tCkP2uzLSa5GGXhroQHXQb.jpg) J. Dexter/E. Agol/P.C. Fragile/J.C. McKinney/The Astrophysical Journal (2010) Theoretical calculations predict that the Milky Way's central black hole, called Sagittarius A\, will look like this when imaged by the Event Horizon Telescope. The false-color image shows light radiated by gas swirling around and into a black hole. The dark region in the middle is the "black hole shadow," caused by the black hole bending light around it. ## Black hole swallows a star ![Black Hole Swallows a Star](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ZZrX2HAGd6PaWg3ztJtWuQ.jpg) NASA/JPL-Caltech/JHU/STScI/Harvard-Smithsonian CfA These images, taken with NASA's Galaxy Evolution Explorer and the Pan-STARRS1 telescope in Hawaii, show a brightening inside a galaxy caused by a flare from its nucleus. The arrow in each image points to the galaxy. The flare is a signature of the galaxy's central [black hole shredding a star](https://www.space.com/15506-giant-black-hole-swallows-star.html) that wandered too close. ## Black hole simulation ![black hole simulation, annotated](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/pSzix7AsM7pkGGkN3x4DpQ.jpg) NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center/J. Schnittman, J. Krolik (JHU) and S. Noble (RIT) The inner workings of black holes are a bit clearer thanks to [a supercomputer simulation](https://www.space.com/21581-black-hole-supercomputer-simulation.html) that showed how matter falling into black holes emits light. By analyzing a simulation of a black hole about the size of a star, researchers saw how two kinds of X-rays can be emitted by the stuff falling into the densest objects in the known universe. This annotated image labels several features in the simulation, including the event horizon of the black hole. ## Stuck in the middle with a black hole ![A large galaxy containing a super massive black hole in its center.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/deuyRTM5oR5fmxz3b3Qf4R.jpg) NASA/CXC/UFRGS/R. Nemmen et al. The image shows 1 out of the 9 large galaxies included in a study from NASA's Chandra X-ray observatory about [how black holes spin](https://www.space.com/4843-black-holes-spin-speed-light.html). This galaxy, named NGC 5846, contains a supermassive black hole in its center. ## Evidence ![The image on the left is a blob of glowing hydrogen gas. Image on the right, blue light is evidence of a growing supermassive black hole.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/DxWStysm9i29efidmqHUhi.jpg) X-ray (NASA/CXC/Durham Univ./D.Alexander et al.); Optical (NASA/ESA/STScI/IoA/S.Chapman et al.); Lyman-alpha Optical (NAOJ/Subaru/Tohoku Univ./T.Hayashino et al.); Infrared (NASA/JPL-Caltech/Durham Univ./J.Geach et al.) On left, a blob of glowing hydrogen gas appears yellow. On right, the blue light is evidence for a growing supermassive black hole in the center of the galaxy. ## Eat to the beat ![Felipe Esquivel Reed](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/n9y8Hh2ThRTWFtP9ceGN2G.jpg) Felipe Esquivel Reed Artist's schematic impression of the distortion of space-time by a supermassive black hole at the center of a galaxy. The black hole will swallow dark matter at a rate which depends on its mass and on the amount of dark matter around it. ## Smash it up ![Black hole hidden in the center of a galaxy feeding on a smaller galaxy.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/DSL22g6a8F2hJ3vcn4hPYA.jpg) NASA/ESA/STScI A massive black hole hidden at the center of nearby galaxy, Centaurus A, feeds on a smaller galaxy in a spectacular collision. ## Warm jets ![Astronomers uncovered the most powerful pair of jets ever seen from a black hole, blowing a bubble of hot gas, 1000 light years across.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/pwRmMNBLuzCJNUxrbBWE3k.jpg) ESO/L. Calçada Combining observations done with ESO's Very Large Telescope and NASA's Chandra X-ray telescope, astronomers have uncovered the most powerful pair of jets ever seen from a stellar black hole. The black hole blows a huge bubble of hot gas, 1000 light-years - 1 - [2](https://www.space.com/31-black-holes-universe/2.html) - [3](https://www.space.com/31-black-holes-universe/3.html) Current page: Page 1 [Next Page Page 2](https://www.space.com/31-black-holes-universe/2.html) Share your thoughts* 0 0 0 0 Random QuizPlay a Random Quiz Filter by Category Join the community Join the Space.com Family! The best way to keep in touch and to be informed of our latest quizzes and competitions, as well as news and offers. I'm in\! Not right now Already have an account? Log in This page will close automatically once you have completed the authorisation process My Details Update your details below... Keep in the Know Would you like to be kept informed about new quizzes and offers from Future and its partners? OK Validate Your Mobile No. We have sent a code to . Please enter it below to verify your account. Update Your Mobile No. You may enter a new mobile number below. 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Leaderboard \| Rank \| Player \| Score \| Time \| \|---\|---\|---\|---\| Log In or Register More Quizzes Log Out ![Space.com Staff](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/gu9kwKxyosV4QuLip5mtSd.jpg) [Space.com Staff](https://www.space.com/author/space-com-staff) Social Links Navigation News and editorial team Space.com is the premier source of space exploration, innovation and astronomy news, chronicling (and celebrating) humanity's ongoing expansion across the final frontier. Originally founded in 1999, Space.com is, and always has been, the passion of writers and editors who are space fans and also trained journalists. Our current news team consists of Editor-in-Chief Tariq Malik; Editor Hanneke Weitering, Senior Space Writer Mike Wall; Senior Writer Meghan Bartels; Senior Writer Chelsea Gohd, Senior Writer Tereza Pultarova and Staff Writer Alexander Cox, focusing on e-commerce. Senior Producer Steve Spaleta oversees our space videos, with Diana Whitcroft as our Social Media Editor. Read more [![(Main) An illustration of the supermassive black hole M87\* (Inset) the NASA/JAXA mission XRISM](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/7m3KGMqKhwNrKVJp48qVvT.png) Black Holes NASA X-ray spacecraft stares into the 'eye of the storm' swirling around supermassive black holes](https://www.space.com/astronomy/black-holes/nasa-x-ray-spacecraft-stares-into-the-eye-of-the-storm-swirling-around-supermassive-black-holes "NASA X-ray spacecraft stares into the 'eye of the storm' swirling around supermassive black holes") [![Screenshot from a new NASA animation highlighting some of the universe\&\#039;s biggest black holes, including the record-holding TON 618, which is about as massive as 60 billion suns.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/LonKAe8kapjmivFoVTBLRX.jpeg) James Webb Space Telescope James Webb Space Telescope reveals new origin story for the universe's 1st supermassive black holes](https://www.space.com/astronomy/james-webb-space-telescope/james-webb-space-telescope-data-backs-new-origin-story-for-the-universes-1st-supermassive-black-holes "James Webb Space Telescope reveals new origin story for the universe's 1st supermassive black holes") [![An illustration shows a wandering black hole and its home, a shining off center AGN in a dwarf galaxy](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Btgb39DtsLwyEaV6YB9BD8.png) Black Holes Hubble and Chandra space telescopes hunt for rogue black holes wandering through dwarf galaxies](https://www.space.com/astronomy/black-holes/hubble-and-chandra-space-telescopes-hunt-for-rogue-black-holes-wandering-through-dwarf-galaxies "Hubble and Chandra space telescopes hunt for rogue black holes wandering through dwarf galaxies") [![Images of the twisted jet of matter OJ287 erupting from a distant black hole as seen by the EHT](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/tgMzuuacJWYAtq6kqNFh8J.png) Black Holes Astronomers watch 2 supermassive black holes caught in a twisted dance with never-before-seen jet behavior](https://www.space.com/astronomy/black-holes/astronomers-watch-2-supermassive-black-holes-caught-in-a-twisted-dance-with-never-before-seen-jet-behavior "Astronomers watch 2 supermassive black holes caught in a twisted dance with never-before-seen jet behavior") [![An image showing blobs of yellow and purple light with insets of illustrations showing what these blobs could represent.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/BdHb23dnDCzfjWzeVfdgyC.png) Black Holes Black holes! Supernovas! Merging galaxies! Oh my! Largest radio survey of the cosmos ever reveals 13.7 million powerful cosmic objects and events](https://www.space.com/astronomy/black-holes/black-holes-supernovas-merging-galaxies-oh-my-largest-radio-survey-of-the-cosmos-ever-reveals-13-7-million-powerful-cosmic-objects-and-events "Black holes! Supernovas! Merging galaxies! Oh my! Largest radio survey of the cosmos ever reveals 13.7 million powerful cosmic objects and events") [![a dense cluster of bright dots of light on a black background](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/i9LaBjFVPGL37PKBwu7VwA.jpg) Stars The 'invisible giant' at the heart of our galaxy \\| Space photo of the day for March 11, 2026](https://www.space.com/astronomy/stars/the-invisible-giant-at-the-heart-of-our-galaxy-space-photo-of-the-day-for-march-11-2026 "The 'invisible giant' at the heart of our galaxy \| Space photo of the day for March 11, 2026") Latest in Black Holes [![A black circle in the center of the illustration surrounded by swirling glowing patterns spiraling outward from it. The left side is colored red while the right side is colored purple.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/JjhmXS8mFkbE5qXSnb8ggA.png) Black Holes Could our universe exist because black holes ate up all the antimatter?](https://www.space.com/astronomy/black-holes/could-our-universe-exist-because-black-holes-ate-up-all-the-antimatter "Could our universe exist because black holes ate up all the antimatter?") [![An illustration of the supermassive black hole IRAS 05189-2524 which the XRISM spacecraft watched spring back to life](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/EfPEznfetDrGHyxBc9hwwQ.png) Black Holes X-ray spacecraft watches monster black hole wake up and fire cosmic bullets at starburst galaxy](https://www.space.com/astronomy/black-holes/x-ray-spacecraft-watches-monster-black-hole-wake-up-and-fire-cosmic-bullets-at-starburst-galaxy "X-ray spacecraft watches monster black hole wake up and fire cosmic bullets at starburst galaxy") [![ Illustration of an eccentric neutron star–black hole binary. The neutron star’s path is shown in blue and the black hole’s motion in orange as the two objects orbit each other.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/EmaYyXsYbtCknzr4JwN2JD.png) Black Holes Black hole and neutron star mergers push the laws of physics with their odd orbits](https://www.space.com/astronomy/black-holes/black-hole-and-neutron-star-mergers-push-the-laws-of-physics-with-their-odd-orbits "Black hole and neutron star mergers push the laws of physics with their odd orbits") [![An illustration of colliding black holes setting the fabric of space ringing with gravitational waves.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/AU4KyD58keEkWydH4ooKJh.png) Black Holes The universe is humming with ripples in spacetime: Scientists just doubled our catalog of black hole and neutron star collisions](https://www.space.com/astronomy/black-holes/the-universe-is-humming-with-ripples-in-spacetime-scientists-just-doubled-our-catalog-of-black-hole-and-neutron-star-collisions "The universe is humming with ripples in spacetime: Scientists just doubled our catalog of black hole and neutron star collisions") [![An image showing blobs of yellow and purple light with insets of illustrations showing what these blobs could represent.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/BdHb23dnDCzfjWzeVfdgyC.png) Black Holes Black holes! Supernovas! Merging galaxies! Oh my! Largest radio survey of the cosmos ever reveals 13.7 million powerful cosmic objects and events](https://www.space.com/astronomy/black-holes/black-holes-supernovas-merging-galaxies-oh-my-largest-radio-survey-of-the-cosmos-ever-reveals-13-7-million-powerful-cosmic-objects-and-events "Black holes! Supernovas! Merging galaxies! Oh my! Largest radio survey of the cosmos ever reveals 13.7 million powerful cosmic objects and events") [![An illustration of two black circles in the center of the screen separated by a red dot. There\&\#039;s a glowing blue circle around both black circles and a red semi-circle at the bottom.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/VAGT8xLGFWzj5UeRpR7pEe.png) Black Holes Starlight warped in the fabric of spacetime could help us find hidden black holes dancing together](https://www.space.com/astronomy/black-holes/starlight-warped-in-the-fabric-of-spacetime-could-help-us-find-hidden-black-holes-dancing-together "Starlight warped in the fabric of spacetime could help us find hidden black holes dancing together") Latest in News [![silhouettes of the back of four people looking at an orange rocket.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/mrZQ7FsJFdVZWg79UHm6GF.jpg) ![](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/6hyAGA9rr4Sfx6tKWS4zuk-200-100.png) Missions What do scientists hope to learn from NASA's historic Artemis 2 moon flyby?](https://www.space.com/space-exploration/missions/what-do-scientists-hope-to-learn-from-nasas-historic-artemis-2-moon-flyby "What do scientists hope to learn from NASA's historic Artemis 2 moon flyby?") [![The silhouette of a rocket is pictured at a launch pad with the sun behind at sunset. The sky is golden.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hyfJDu3tvvKoRoLa2Y6jKN.jpg) ![](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/6hyAGA9rr4Sfx6tKWS4zuk-200-100.png) Launches & Spacecraft NASA's Artemis 2 moon launch may be visible from Florida and southern Georgia today. Here's when to look](https://www.space.com/space-exploration/launches-spacecraft/nasas-artemis-2-moon-launch-may-be-visible-from-florida-and-southern-georgia-today-heres-when-to-look "NASA's Artemis 2 moon launch may be visible from Florida and southern Georgia today. Here's when to look") [![Starlink 34343 experiences a \"fragmentation event\" on March 29, 2026](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Mtc78EBLEwKXwck97mMmhi.png) Satellites Satellite spies SpaceX Starlink before it breaks apart \\| Space photo of the day for April 1, 2026](https://www.space.com/space-exploration/satellites/spacex-starlink-spacecraft-breaks-apart-space-photo-of-the-day-for-april-1-2026 "Satellite spies SpaceX Starlink before it breaks apart \| Space photo of the day for April 1, 2026") [![An orange full moon shines to the right of a large rocket standing on a launch pad in the darkening blue evening sky.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/5uPGR5pXJqKjR43QQmWZ35.jpg) Stargazing April's full 'Pink Moon' rises tonight — just as NASA readies its Artemis 2 moon mission](https://www.space.com/stargazing/aprils-full-pink-moon-rises-tonight-just-as-nasa-readies-its-artemis-2-moon-mission-april-1-2026 "April's full 'Pink Moon' rises tonight — just as NASA readies its Artemis 2 moon mission") [![graphic showing orion spacecraft flying close to the moon.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/8JqwfQUHA7BGRcEd88CvMi.jpg) Artemis Watch Artemis 2 fly through space in real time with this telescope livestream](https://www.space.com/space-exploration/artemis/watch-artemis-2-fly-through-space-in-real-time-with-this-telescope-livestream "Watch Artemis 2 fly through space in real time with this telescope livestream") [![four people in blue flight suits and sunglasses smile and wave on a concrete tarmac](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/pfi8AKfZCijMkECrpzXijj.jpg) Artemis Yes, NASA's launching Artemis 2 astronauts to the moon on April Fools' Day. It's not a joke.](https://www.space.com/space-exploration/artemis/yes-nasas-launching-artemis-2-astronauts-to-the-moon-on-april-fools-day-its-not-a-joke "Yes, NASA's launching Artemis 2 astronauts to the moon on April Fools' Day. It's not a joke.") MORE FROM SPACE... 1. [![A two-panel image with a nebula colorful deep space nebula astrophoto on the left and a scene from the movie 'Project Hail Mary' featuring Ryan Gosling on the right with a white divide.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/kPCzMxdXeFLWCYCz5ZJ6vm.jpg)](https://www.space.com/stargazing/astrophotography/project-hail-mary-end-credits-showcase-stunning-nebula-photos-captured-over-400-hours-by-a-single-astrophotographer-heres-the-inside-story "'Project Hail Mary' end credits showcase stunning nebula photos captured over 400 hours by a single astrophotographer — here's the inside story") 1 ['Project Hail Mary' end credits showcase stunning nebula photos captured over 400 hours by a single astrophotographer — here's the inside story](https://www.space.com/stargazing/astrophotography/project-hail-mary-end-credits-showcase-stunning-nebula-photos-captured-over-400-hours-by-a-single-astrophotographer-heres-the-inside-story) 2. 2 [2 bright planets light up April evenings — here's where and when to look](https://www.space.com/stargazing/2-bright-planets-light-up-april-evenings-heres-where-and-when-to-look) 3. 3 [What do scientists hope to learn from NASA's historic Artemis 2 moon flyby?](https://www.space.com/space-exploration/missions/what-do-scientists-hope-to-learn-from-nasas-historic-artemis-2-moon-flyby) 4. 4 [NASA's Artemis 2 moon launch may be visible from Florida and southern Georgia today. Here's when to look](https://www.space.com/space-exploration/launches-spacecraft/nasas-artemis-2-moon-launch-may-be-visible-from-florida-and-southern-georgia-today-heres-when-to-look) 5. 5 [Watch Artemis 2 fly through space in real time with this telescope livestream](https://www.space.com/space-exploration/artemis/watch-artemis-2-fly-through-space-in-real-time-with-this-telescope-livestream) Space is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. [Visit our corporate site](https://futureplc.com/). 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Readable Markdown	Page 1 of 3: Page 1 ![The Event Horizon Telescope, a planet-scale array of eight ground-based radio telescopes forged through international collaboration, captured this image of the supermassive black hole and its shadow that\&\#039;s in the center of the galaxy M87.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/V4q7tR2uNk9f3Nqfeds2Yn.jpg) The Event Horizon Telescope captured this image of the supermassive black hole in the center of the galaxy M87. (Image credit: EHT Collaboration) [Black holes](https://www.space.com/15421-black-holes-facts-formation-discovery-sdcmp.html) are some of the universe's most enigmatic and mysterious objects. The extremely dense and massive objects have such a strong gravitational pull that nothing — not even light — can escape if it gets too close. Because light cannot escape from a black hole's [event horizon](https://www.space.com/black-holes-event-horizon-explained.html) (the point of no return), black holes are difficult to capture in images, as the objects simply appear black. Although they cannot be directly observed, astronomers can observe a black hole's surroundings, which can emit various types of radiation. Scroll through this gallery to see images of black holes throughout the universe, captured with the aid of radiation-detecting telescopes on Earth and in space. The [first-ever photo of a black hole](https://www.space.com/first-black-hole-photo-by-event-horizon-telescope.html), seen above, was captured in 2019 using the Event Horizon Telescope, a planet-scale array of eight ground-based radio telescopes forged through international collaboration, captured this image of the supermassive black hole and its shadow that's in the center of the galaxy M87. This NASA visualization shows how a black hole warps its cosmic neighborhood like a carnival mirror with its immense gravitational pull. Full story: [Weird black hole physics revealed in NASA visualization](https://www.space.com/incredible-black-hole-visualization.html) ## Blasting jets at (almost) the speed of light ![In this wide-field image of Messier 87 from the Chandra X-ray Observatory, the white box indicates the approximate location of the jet.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/aPqQfssXwo7V7M2WakN2FV.jpg) (Image credit: NASA/CXC/SAO/B. Snios et al.) The jets emanating from a famous black hole are cruising along at about 99% the speed of light, according to observations from NASA's Chandra X-Ray Observatory. Researchers spotted the [speedy jets](https://www.space.com/black-hole-jets-near-speed-of-light.html) emanating from a black hole in the galaxy Messier 87 — the same black hole that was imaged directly for the first time by the Event Horizon Telescope. In this wide-field image of Messier 87 from the Chandra X-ray Observatory, the white box indicates the approximate location of the black hole's jet. ## Black hole boost star birth millions of miles away ![This composite image combines data from NASA\&\#039;s Chandra X-ray Observatory and the NSF\&\#039;s Karl Jansky Very Large Array (VLA). Chandra observed powerful X-rays (red) produced by hot gas circling around a black hole at the center of a galaxy located 9.9 billion light-years from Earth. The VLA was used to detect radio-wave emissions (blue) emitted by the jet of high-energy particles streaming from the black hole.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/tnXUXv2rXB2c4n2rVjk2VW.jpg) (Image credit: X-ray: NASA/CXC/INAF/R. Gilli et al.; Radio NRAO/VLA; Optical: NASA/STScI) Using data from NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory and other telescopes, researchers discovered a black hole that has [sparked star formation](https://www.space.com/black-hole-triggers-widespread-star-formation.html) in multiple galaxies across tremendous distances. Chandra observed powerful X-rays (red) produced by hot gas circling around a black hole at the center of a galaxy located 9.9 billion light-years from Earth. Breaking space news, the latest updates on rocket launches, skywatching events and more\! ## Cygnus X-1 ![NASA Marshall Center](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/dQUL3BMSbdhKUjvVTtsjGE.jpg) NASA Marshall Center The skewed light from near the black hole [Cygnus X-1](https://www.space.com/11222-black-holes-cygnus-warped-space.html) reveals new details about the warped space and extraordinarily powerful magnetic fields close to it. Cygnus X-1, the first black hole ever discovered, is about 10 times the mass of the sun, 18 miles (60 kilometers) wide and 8,000 light-years away from Earth in the constellation Cygnus. It sucks gas away from a closely orbiting blue supergiant star, which super-heats as it spirals inward, emitting high-energy X-rays and gamma rays. ## MWC 656 ![MWC 656 System\&\#039;s Star and Black Hole](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ajp5rxyAPMV7Zdxk4zRfQH.jpg) Gabriel Pérez Díaz/Servicio MultiMedia/IAC Artist's concept of the [MWC 656 system](https://www.space.com/24290-quiet-black-hole-discovery.html), which consists of a massive "Be" star and a companion black hole. The star rotates at very high speed, ejecting an equatorial disc of matter that is transferred to the black hole through an accretion disk. ## Blowing bubbles ![Cygnus X-1 black hole and a dense cloud of gas in the space between stars.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/bcgQneQ2s4ikuDQ3A8vJCH.jpg) Gallo et al./Westerbork radio telescope A huge, [invisible bubble](https://www.space.com/1441-black-hole-forges-invisible-bubble.html) surrounds the black hole Cygnus X-1. The cavity is carved from space by the activity of the black hole itself and was detected with a radio telescope. The cross marks the location of the black hole Cygnus X-1 in this radio image. The bright region to the left (east) of the black hole is a dense cloud of gas existing in the space between the stars, the interstellar medium. ## Sagittarius A\* ![Milky Way\&\#039;s Black Hole](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/tCkP2uzLSa5GGXhroQHXQb.jpg) J. Dexter/E. Agol/P.C. Fragile/J.C. McKinney/The Astrophysical Journal (2010) Theoretical calculations predict that the Milky Way's central black hole, called Sagittarius A\, will look like this when imaged by the Event Horizon Telescope. The false-color image shows light radiated by gas swirling around and into a black hole. The dark region in the middle is the "black hole shadow," caused by the black hole bending light around it. ## Black hole swallows a star ![Black Hole Swallows a Star](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ZZrX2HAGd6PaWg3ztJtWuQ.jpg) NASA/JPL-Caltech/JHU/STScI/Harvard-Smithsonian CfA These images, taken with NASA's Galaxy Evolution Explorer and the Pan-STARRS1 telescope in Hawaii, show a brightening inside a galaxy caused by a flare from its nucleus. The arrow in each image points to the galaxy. The flare is a signature of the galaxy's central [black hole shredding a star](https://www.space.com/15506-giant-black-hole-swallows-star.html) that wandered too close. ## Black hole simulation ![black hole simulation, annotated](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/pSzix7AsM7pkGGkN3x4DpQ.jpg) NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center/J. Schnittman, J. Krolik (JHU) and S. Noble (RIT) The inner workings of black holes are a bit clearer thanks to [a supercomputer simulation](https://www.space.com/21581-black-hole-supercomputer-simulation.html) that showed how matter falling into black holes emits light. By analyzing a simulation of a black hole about the size of a star, researchers saw how two kinds of X-rays can be emitted by the stuff falling into the densest objects in the known universe. This annotated image labels several features in the simulation, including the event horizon of the black hole. ## Stuck in the middle with a black hole ![A large galaxy containing a super massive black hole in its center.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/deuyRTM5oR5fmxz3b3Qf4R.jpg) NASA/CXC/UFRGS/R. Nemmen et al. The image shows 1 out of the 9 large galaxies included in a study from NASA's Chandra X-ray observatory about [how black holes spin](https://www.space.com/4843-black-holes-spin-speed-light.html). This galaxy, named NGC 5846, contains a supermassive black hole in its center. ## Evidence ![The image on the left is a blob of glowing hydrogen gas. Image on the right, blue light is evidence of a growing supermassive black hole.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/DxWStysm9i29efidmqHUhi.jpg) X-ray (NASA/CXC/Durham Univ./D.Alexander et al.); Optical (NASA/ESA/STScI/IoA/S.Chapman et al.); Lyman-alpha Optical (NAOJ/Subaru/Tohoku Univ./T.Hayashino et al.); Infrared (NASA/JPL-Caltech/Durham Univ./J.Geach et al.) On left, a blob of glowing hydrogen gas appears yellow. On right, the blue light is evidence for a growing supermassive black hole in the center of the galaxy. ## Eat to the beat ![Felipe Esquivel Reed](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/n9y8Hh2ThRTWFtP9ceGN2G.jpg) Felipe Esquivel Reed Artist's schematic impression of the distortion of space-time by a supermassive black hole at the center of a galaxy. The black hole will swallow dark matter at a rate which depends on its mass and on the amount of dark matter around it. ## Smash it up ![Black hole hidden in the center of a galaxy feeding on a smaller galaxy.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/DSL22g6a8F2hJ3vcn4hPYA.jpg) NASA/ESA/STScI A massive black hole hidden at the center of nearby galaxy, Centaurus A, feeds on a smaller galaxy in a spectacular collision. ## Warm jets ![Astronomers uncovered the most powerful pair of jets ever seen from a black hole, blowing a bubble of hot gas, 1000 light years across.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/pwRmMNBLuzCJNUxrbBWE3k.jpg) ESO/L. Calçada Combining observations done with ESO's Very Large Telescope and NASA's Chandra X-ray telescope, astronomers have uncovered the most powerful pair of jets ever seen from a stellar black hole. 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