🕷️ Crawler Inspector

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Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 8 (from laksa197)

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/36360-black-hole-image-event-horizon-telescope.html\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.space.com/36360-black-hole-image-event-horizon-telescope.html\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.space.com\/36360-black-hole-image-event-horizon-telescope.html","crawl_time":1775307772,"first_indexed_time":1497524638,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,space!www,\/36360-black-hole-image-event-horizon-telescope.html s443","src_root_hash":"7770394665477845008","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Photographing a Black Hole: Historic Campaign Now Underway | Space","meta_descriptions":["The campaign to capture the first-ever image of a black hole has begun."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"A computer-simulation view of a supermassive black hole at the heart of a galaxy. The edge of the black central region represents the event horizon, beyond which no light can escape.\n(Image credit: NASA, ESA, and D. Coe, J. Anderson, and R. van der Marel (STScI))\nThe campaign to capture the first-ever image of a black hole has begun.\nFrom today (April 5) through April 14, astronomers will use a system of radio telescopes around the world to peer at the gigantic black hole at the center of the Milky Way, a behemoth called\nSagittarius A*\n(Sgr A*) that's 4 million times more massive than the sun.\nThe researchers hope to photograph Sgr A*'s event horizon — the \"point of no return\" beyond which nothing, not even light, can escape. (The interior of a black hole can never be imaged, because light cannot make it out.) [\nThe Strangest Black Holes in the Universe\n]\nArticle continues below\nA Hubble Space Telescope view of the Milky Way galaxy’s center in infrared light. The inset shows X-rays in the region around Sagittarius A*, the supermassive black hole at the Milky Way’s heart.\n(Image credit: X-ray: NASA\/UMass\/D.Wang et al., IR: NASA\/STScI)\n\"These are the observations that will help us to sort through all the wild theories about black holes — and there are many wild theories,\" Gopal Narayanan, an astronomy research professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst,\nsaid in a statement\n. \"With data from this project, we will understand things about black holes that we have never understood before.\" \nThe project, known as the\nEvent Horizon Telescope\n(EHT), links up observatories in Hawaii, Arizona, California, Mexico, Chile, Spain and Antarctica to create the equivalent of a radio instrument the size of the entire Earth. Such a powerful tool is necessary to view the event horizon of Sgr A*, which lies 26,000 light-years from our planet, EHT team members said.\n\"That's like trying to image a grapefruit on the surface of the moon,\" Narayanan said.\nDuring the current campaign, EHT is also eyeing the supermassive\nblack hole\nat the core of the galaxy M87, which lies 53.5 million light-years from Earth. This monster black hole's mass is about 6 billion times that of the sun, so its event horizon is larger than that of Sgr A*, Narayanan said.\nBreaking space news, the latest updates on rocket launches, skywatching events and more!\nThese observations should help astronomers determine the mass, spin and other characteristics of supermassive black holes with better precision, team members said. The researchers also aim to learn more about how material accretes into disks around black holes, and the mechanics of the plasma jets that blast from these light-gobbling giants.\nEHT could also reveal more about the \"information paradox\" — a long-standing puzzle about whether information about the material gobbled up by black holes can be destroyed — and other deep cosmological mysteries, team members said.\n\"At the very heart of\nEinstein's general theory of relativity\n, there is a notion that quantum mechanics and general relativity can be melded, that there is a grand, unified theory of fundamental concepts,\" Narayanan said. \"The place to study that is at the event horizon of a black hole.\"\nThough the current observing campaign will be over soon, it will take a while for astronomers to piece together the images. For starters, so much information will be collected by the participating telescopes around the world that it will be physically flown, rather than transmitted, to the central processing facility at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Haystack Observatory.\nThen, the data will have to be calibrated to account for different weather, atmospheric and other conditions at the various sites. The first results from the campaign will likely be published next year, EHT team members said.\nFollow Mike Wall on Twitter \n@michaeldwall\n and \nGoogle+\n. Follow us\n@Spacedotcom\n,\nFacebook\n or\nGoogle+\n. Originally published on \nSpace.com\n.\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\nMichael Wall is the Spaceflight and Tech Editor for\nSpace.com\nand joined the team in 2010. He primarily covers human and robotic  spaceflight, military space, and exoplanets, but has been known to dabble in the space art beat. His book about the search for alien life, \"Out There,\" was published on Nov. 13, 2018. Before becoming a science writer, Michael worked as a herpetologist and wildlife biologist. He has a Ph.D. in evolutionary biology from the University of Sydney, Australia, a bachelor's degree from the University of Arizona, and a graduate certificate in science writing from the University of California, Santa Cruz. To find out what his latest project is, you can follow Michael on Twitter.","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\/36360-black-hole-image-event-horizon-telescope.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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There\\&\\#039;s a shell of red material around it.](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HnpVzYQXYa5yzYJnL3VXF6.jpg) Black Holes Astronomers witness vanishing star collapse into a black hole in Andromeda galaxy](https:\/\/www.space.com\/astronomy\/black-holes\/astronomers-witness-vanishing-star-collapse-into-a-black-hole-in-andromeda-galaxy \"Astronomers witness vanishing star collapse into a black hole in Andromeda galaxy\")\n\n[![A glowing orange ring over a dark backgound](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8s5tdx8XeoFzeFMW22GAU9.jpg) Black Holes NASA X-ray spacecraft reveals the shockingly violent history of the Milky Way's supermassive black hole](https:\/\/www.space.com\/astronomy\/black-holes\/nasa-x-ray-spacecraft-reveals-the-shockingly-violent-history-of-the-milky-ways-supermassive-black-hole \"NASA X-ray spacecraft reveals the shockingly violent history of the Milky Way's supermassive black hole\")\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\n[![The comic volcano J1007+3540, the eruption of a once dormant black hole, as seen by LOFAR](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/D68AMQQCwSvt3v4sKaaArY.png) Black Holes Reborn black hole seen erupting across 1 million light-years of space like a cosmic volcano](https:\/\/www.space.com\/astronomy\/black-holes\/reborn-black-hole-seen-erupting-across-1-million-light-years-of-space-like-a-cosmic-volcano \"Reborn black hole seen erupting across 1 million light-years of space like a cosmic volcano\")\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[![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 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 illustration of a tidal disruption event in which a star is devoured by a black hole](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ziLUfcpZKdNodG7ttnHh3e.png) Black Holes Scientists may have found a 'missing-link' black hole ripping up and devouring a star](https:\/\/www.space.com\/astronomy\/black-holes\/scientists-may-have-found-a-missing-link-black-hole-ripping-up-and-devouring-a-star \"Scientists may have found a 'missing-link' black hole ripping up and devouring a star\")\n\nTrending\n\n- [Artemis 2 moon launch 1 week away](https:\/\/www.space.com\/space-exploration\/artemis\/1-week-away-nasa-gearing-up-to-launch-artemis-2-astronauts-around-the-moon-on-april-1)\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-march-26)\n- [Aurora Forecast](https:\/\/www.space.com\/live\/aurora-forecast-northern-lights-possible-tonight-march-26)\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# Photographing a Black Hole: Historic Campaign Now Underway\n[News](https:\/\/www.space.com\/news)\n\nBy [Mike Wall](https:\/\/www.space.com\/author\/mike-wall)  ( [space.com-astronomy](https:\/\/www.space.com\/space-com-astronomy) )\n\npublished\n\nApril 5, 2017\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\n![Supermassive Black Hole Simulation](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kzvPVZRzUkxWwLSKKdSNmZ.jpg)\n\nA computer-simulation view of a supermassive black hole at the heart of a galaxy. The edge of the black central region represents the event horizon, beyond which no light can escape. (Image credit: NASA, ESA, and D. Coe, J. Anderson, and R. van der Marel (STScI))\n\nShare\n\n- Copy link\n- [Facebook](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.space.com%2F36360-black-hole-image-event-horizon-telescope.html)\n- [X](https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=Photographing+a+Black+Hole%3A+Historic+Campaign+Now+Underway&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.space.com%2F36360-black-hole-image-event-horizon-telescope.html)\n- [Whatsapp](whatsapp:\/\/send?text=Photographing+a+Black+Hole%3A+Historic+Campaign+Now+Underway+https%3A%2F%2Fwww.space.com%2F36360-black-hole-image-event-horizon-telescope.html?fwa)\n- [Reddit](https:\/\/www.reddit.com\/submit?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.space.com%2F36360-black-hole-image-event-horizon-telescope.html&title=Photographing+a+Black+Hole%3A+Historic+Campaign+Now+Underway)\n- [Pinterest](https:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.space.com%2F36360-black-hole-image-event-horizon-telescope.html&media=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net%2FkzvPVZRzUkxWwLSKKdSNmZ.jpg)\n- [Flipboard](https:\/\/share.flipboard.com\/bookmarklet\/popout?title=Photographing+a+Black+Hole%3A+Historic+Campaign+Now+Underway&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.space.com%2F36360-black-hole-image-event-horizon-telescope.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\/36360-black-hole-image-event-horizon-telescope.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\\\/). 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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\nThe campaign to capture the first-ever image of a black hole has begun.\n\nFrom today (April 5) through April 14, astronomers will use a system of radio telescopes around the world to peer at the gigantic black hole at the center of the Milky Way, a behemoth called [Sagittarius A\\*](https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/user\/VideoFromSpace) (Sgr A\\*) that's 4 million times more massive than the sun.\n\nThe researchers hope to photograph Sgr A\\*'s event horizon — the \"point of no return\" beyond which nothing, not even light, can escape. (The interior of a black hole can never be imaged, because light cannot make it out.) \\[[The Strangest Black Holes in the Universe](https:\/\/www.space.com\/15941-strangest-black-holes-universe-countdown.html)\\]\n\nArticle continues below\n\nYou may like\n\n- [![M87\\* and its cosmic blowtorch-like jet as seen by the Hubble Space Telescope](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hpLw8QjLxtFpwGinGSiYF7.png) Astronomers watch 1st black hole ever imaged launch a 3,000‑light‑year‑long cosmic jet from its glowing 'shadow'](https:\/\/www.space.com\/astronomy\/black-holes\/astronomers-watch-1st-black-hole-ever-imaged-launch-a-3-000-light-year-long-cosmic-jet-from-its-glowing-shadow)\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- [![The central molecular zone and its location in the Milky Way](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7MRALWXNbuwzLoNekxbdnD.png) World's largest radio telescope array pierces heart of our Milky Way: 'This is just the beginning'](https:\/\/www.space.com\/astronomy\/galaxies\/worlds-largest-radio-telescope-array-pierces-heart-of-our-milky-way-this-is-just-the-beginning)\n\n![A Hubble Space Telescope view of the Milky Way galaxy\\&amp;rsquo;s center in infrared light. The inset shows X-rays in the region around Sagittarius A\\*, the supermassive black hole at the Milky Way\\&amp;rsquo;s heart.](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g7ZYddj4nQJw4q5GBVcJoB.jpg)\n\nA Hubble Space Telescope view of the Milky Way galaxy’s center in infrared light. The inset shows X-rays in the region around Sagittarius A\\*, the supermassive black hole at the Milky Way’s heart. (Image credit: X-ray: NASA\/UMass\/D.Wang et al., IR: NASA\/STScI)\n\n\"These are the observations that will help us to sort through all the wild theories about black holes — and there are many wild theories,\" Gopal Narayanan, an astronomy research professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, [said in a statement](http:\/\/www.umass.edu\/newsoffice\/article\/peering-black-holes-using-earth-sized). \"With data from this project, we will understand things about black holes that we have never understood before.\"\n\nThe project, known as the [Event Horizon Telescope](https:\/\/www.space.com\/36209-astronomers-will-peer-inside-black-event-horizon-telescope.html) (EHT), links up observatories in Hawaii, Arizona, California, Mexico, Chile, Spain and Antarctica to create the equivalent of a radio instrument the size of the entire Earth. Such a powerful tool is necessary to view the event horizon of Sgr A\\*, which lies 26,000 light-years from our planet, EHT team members said.\n\n\"That's like trying to image a grapefruit on the surface of the moon,\" Narayanan said.\n\n[Click here for more Space.com videos...](https:\/\/videos.space.com\/m\/xamYRx2E\/black-holes-warping-time-and-space-video?list=9wzCTV4g)\n\nDuring the current campaign, EHT is also eyeing the supermassive [black hole](https:\/\/www.space.com\/15421-black-holes-facts-formation-discovery-sdcmp.html) at the core of the galaxy M87, which lies 53.5 million light-years from Earth. This monster black hole's mass is about 6 billion times that of the sun, so its event horizon is larger than that of Sgr A\\*, Narayanan said.\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\nThese observations should help astronomers determine the mass, spin and other characteristics of supermassive black holes with better precision, team members said. The researchers also aim to learn more about how material accretes into disks around black holes, and the mechanics of the plasma jets that blast from these light-gobbling giants.\n\nEHT could also reveal more about the \"information paradox\" — a long-standing puzzle about whether information about the material gobbled up by black holes can be destroyed — and other deep cosmological mysteries, team members said.\n\n\"At the very heart of [Einstein's general theory of relativity](https:\/\/www.space.com\/17661-theory-general-relativity.html), there is a notion that quantum mechanics and general relativity can be melded, that there is a grand, unified theory of fundamental concepts,\" Narayanan said. \"The place to study that is at the event horizon of a black hole.\"\n\n![black hole particles escaping](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iJfPWRCDs7nQjLL7nNnxF7.jpg)\n\nThough the current observing campaign will be over soon, it will take a while for astronomers to piece together the images. For starters, so much information will be collected by the participating telescopes around the world that it will be physically flown, rather than transmitted, to the central processing facility at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Haystack Observatory.\n\nThen, the data will have to be calibrated to account for different weather, atmospheric and other conditions at the various sites. The first results from the campaign will likely be published next year, EHT team members said.\n\n*Follow Mike Wall on Twitter* [*@michaeldwall*](http:\/\/twitter.com\/michaeldwall) *and* [*Google+*](https:\/\/plus.google.com\/u\/0\/108984047382030613667\/posts)*. Follow us* [*@Spacedotcom*](http:\/\/twitter.com\/spacedotcom)*,* [*Facebook*](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/spacecom) *or* [*Google+*](https:\/\/plus.google.com\/+SPACEcom\/posts)*. Originally published on* [*Space.com*](http:\/\/www.space.com\/)*.*\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 . 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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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![Mike Wall](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ko9uBeoLfpGrWgq3eDjap3.jpg)\n\n[Mike Wall](https:\/\/www.space.com\/author\/mike-wall)\n\nSocial Links Navigation\n\nSpaceflight and Tech Editor\n\nMichael Wall is the Spaceflight and Tech Editor for [Space.com](https:\/\/www.space.com\/) and joined the team in 2010. He primarily covers human and robotic spaceflight, military space, and exoplanets, but has been known to dabble in the space art beat. His book about the search for alien life, \"Out There,\" was published on Nov. 13, 2018. Before becoming a science writer, Michael worked as a herpetologist and wildlife biologist. He has a Ph.D. in evolutionary biology from the University of Sydney, Australia, a bachelor's degree from the University of Arizona, and a graduate certificate in science writing from the University of California, Santa Cruz. To find out what his latest project is, you can follow Michael on Twitter.\n\nRead more\n\n[![M87\\* and its cosmic blowtorch-like jet as seen by the Hubble Space Telescope](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hpLw8QjLxtFpwGinGSiYF7.png) Black Holes Astronomers watch 1st black hole ever imaged launch a 3,000‑light‑year‑long cosmic jet from its glowing 'shadow'](https:\/\/www.space.com\/astronomy\/black-holes\/astronomers-watch-1st-black-hole-ever-imaged-launch-a-3-000-light-year-long-cosmic-jet-from-its-glowing-shadow \"Astronomers watch 1st black hole ever imaged launch a 3,000‑light‑year‑long cosmic jet from its glowing 'shadow'\")\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\n[![The central molecular zone and its location in the Milky Way](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7MRALWXNbuwzLoNekxbdnD.png) Galaxies World's largest radio telescope array pierces heart of our Milky Way: 'This is just the beginning'](https:\/\/www.space.com\/astronomy\/galaxies\/worlds-largest-radio-telescope-array-pierces-heart-of-our-milky-way-this-is-just-the-beginning \"World's largest radio telescope array pierces heart of our Milky Way: 'This is just the beginning'\")\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[![A pink disk of swirling gas and light is bisected by a glowing blue line of light](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tEwkqxoNsYRnzZdBFKi4Bk.jpg) James Webb Space Telescope This is the sharpest view ever seen of a black hole's dusty disk](https:\/\/www.space.com\/astronomy\/james-webb-space-telescope\/this-is-the-sharpest-view-ever-seen-of-a-black-holes-dusty-disk \"This is the sharpest view ever seen of a black hole's dusty disk\")\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\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[![An orange rocket stands on a mound before a pale blue sky.](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oRYPkDiBUdxpQmXvd4jwSP.jpg) Missions Artemis 2 moon mission latest news: NASA prepares for April 1 launch for lunar astronauts](https:\/\/www.space.com\/news\/live\/artemis-2-nasa-moon-mission-launch-updates-march-26-2026 \"Artemis 2 moon mission latest news: NASA prepares for April 1 launch for lunar astronauts\")\n\n[![people in white lab coats look up at a large rectangular telescope sheathed in clear plastic in a large hangar](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EyUJCsc3sY2WrrSuJCuAcn.jpg) Astronomy Rattling the Roman Space Telescope \\| Space photo of the day for March 26, 2026](https:\/\/www.space.com\/astronomy\/rattling-the-roman-space-telescope-space-photo-of-the-day-for-march-26-2026 \"Rattling the Roman Space Telescope | Space photo of the day for March 26, 2026\")\n\n[![two pale yellow orbs on a black background](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/R2CaNUvsRd5fbm5fofD3Ym.jpg) Saturn Incredible new NASA images reveal Saturn in a new light — and it's all thanks to a telescope team-up from Webb and Hubble](https:\/\/www.space.com\/astronomy\/saturn\/incredible-new-nasa-images-reveal-saturn-in-a-new-light-and-its-all-thanks-to-a-telescope-team-up-from-webb-and-hubble \"Incredible new NASA images reveal Saturn in a new light — and it's all thanks to a telescope team-up from Webb and Hubble\")\n\n[![Four astroanuts in orange spacesuits with a NASA Artemis 2 patch](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oDj2Zu7UzfTcvK9XnG6XPg.png) Artemis Inside Artemis 2: NASA's historic astronaut moon mission explained (video series)](https:\/\/www.space.com\/space-exploration\/artemis\/inside-artemis-2-nasas-historic-astronaut-moon-mission-explained-video-series \"Inside Artemis 2: NASA's historic astronaut moon mission explained (video series) \")\n\n[![An illustration of an exoplanet next to a star. There\\&\\#039;s also a smaller world in the back. A boxout shows a spacecraft.](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fHSuJ7YTzepspVURsun8dB.png) Exoplanets 100 new alien worlds: Scientists find hidden haul in data from NASA exoplanet-hunting spacecraft](https:\/\/www.space.com\/astronomy\/exoplanets\/100-new-alien-worlds-scientists-find-hidden-haul-in-data-from-nasa-exoplanet-hunting-spacecraft \"100 new alien worlds: Scientists find hidden haul in data from NASA exoplanet-hunting spacecraft\")\n\n[![A Estes 2441 Mini Arcas Model Rocket Kit with its packet, and another soaring off into the sky. ](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vQVww3CGNJTgRgRE5aCrm8.jpg) Space Toys & Lego Aim for the stars for under \\$15 with this Estes 2441 Mini Arcas Model Rocket Kit at Walmart, now 17% cheaper in the spring sales](https:\/\/www.space.com\/entertainment\/space-toys-lego\/aim-for-the-stars-for-under-15-dollars-spring-sale-estes-model-rocket-march-2026 \"Aim for the stars for under $15 with this Estes 2441 Mini Arcas Model Rocket Kit at Walmart, now 17% cheaper in the spring sales\")\n\nMORE FROM SPACE...\n\n1. [![The observatory was recently blasted with acoustic waves equal to the loudness of a jet engine from 100 feet away.](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EyUJCsc3sY2WrrSuJCuAcn.jpg)](https:\/\/www.space.com\/astronomy\/rattling-the-roman-space-telescope-space-photo-of-the-day-for-march-26-2026 \"Rattling the Roman Space Telescope | Space photo of the day for March 26, 2026\")\n   \n   1\n   \n   [Rattling the Roman Space Telescope \\| Space photo of the day for March 26, 2026](https:\/\/www.space.com\/astronomy\/rattling-the-roman-space-telescope-space-photo-of-the-day-for-march-26-2026)\n2. 2\n   \n   [Incredible new NASA images reveal Saturn in a new light — and it's all thanks to a telescope team-up from Webb and Hubble](https:\/\/www.space.com\/astronomy\/saturn\/incredible-new-nasa-images-reveal-saturn-in-a-new-light-and-its-all-thanks-to-a-telescope-team-up-from-webb-and-hubble)\n3. 3\n   \n   [Who is Artemis? Meet the Greek goddess who inspired NASA's return to the moon](https:\/\/www.space.com\/space-exploration\/artemis\/who-is-artemis-meet-the-goddess-who-inspired-nasas-return-to-the-moon)\n4. 4\n   \n   [These 45 exoplanets may be the best places to search for alien life](https:\/\/www.space.com\/astronomy\/exoplanets\/these-45-exoplanets-may-be-the-best-places-to-search-for-alien-life)\n5. 5\n   \n   [Aim for the stars for under \\$15 with this Estes 2441 Mini Arcas Model Rocket Kit at Walmart, now 17% cheaper in the spring sales](https:\/\/www.space.com\/entertainment\/space-toys-lego\/aim-for-the-stars-for-under-15-dollars-spring-sale-estes-model-rocket-march-2026)\n\nSpace is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. [Visit our corporate site](https:\/\/futureplc.com\/).\n\n[![Add as a preferred source on Google](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/mednnv697g1760357120.png) Add as a preferred source on Google](https:\/\/google.com\/preferences\/source?q=space.com)\n\n- [About Us](https:\/\/www.space.com\/41418-about-us.html)\n- [Contact Future's experts](https:\/\/futureplc.com\/contact\/)\n- [Terms and conditions](https:\/\/futureplc.com\/terms-conditions\/)\n- [Privacy policy](https:\/\/futureplc.com\/privacy-policy\/)\n- [Cookies policy](https:\/\/futureplc.com\/cookies-policy\/)\n- [Accessibility Statement](https:\/\/futureplc.com\/accessibility-statement\/)\n- [Advertise with us](https:\/\/go.future-advertising.com\/Spacecom-Media-Kit.html)\n- [Web notifications](https:\/\/www.space.com\/how-to-turn-off-web-notifications-for-chrome-macos.html)\n- [Careers](https:\/\/futureplc.com\/careers\/)\n- [Do not sell or share my personal information](https:\/\/www.space.com\/privacy-portal)\n\n© Future US, Inc. 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":"![Supermassive Black Hole Simulation](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kzvPVZRzUkxWwLSKKdSNmZ.jpg)\n\nA computer-simulation view of a supermassive black hole at the heart of a galaxy. The edge of the black central region represents the event horizon, beyond which no light can escape. (Image credit: NASA, ESA, and D. Coe, J. Anderson, and R. van der Marel (STScI))\n\nThe campaign to capture the first-ever image of a black hole has begun.\n\nFrom today (April 5) through April 14, astronomers will use a system of radio telescopes around the world to peer at the gigantic black hole at the center of the Milky Way, a behemoth called [Sagittarius A\\*](https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/user\/VideoFromSpace) (Sgr A\\*) that's 4 million times more massive than the sun.\n\nThe researchers hope to photograph Sgr A\\*'s event horizon — the \"point of no return\" beyond which nothing, not even light, can escape. (The interior of a black hole can never be imaged, because light cannot make it out.) \\[[The Strangest Black Holes in the Universe](https:\/\/www.space.com\/15941-strangest-black-holes-universe-countdown.html)\\]\n\nArticle continues below\n\n![A Hubble Space Telescope view of the Milky Way galaxy\\&amp;rsquo;s center in infrared light. The inset shows X-rays in the region around Sagittarius A\\*, the supermassive black hole at the Milky Way\\&amp;rsquo;s heart.](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/g7ZYddj4nQJw4q5GBVcJoB.jpg)\n\nA Hubble Space Telescope view of the Milky Way galaxy’s center in infrared light. The inset shows X-rays in the region around Sagittarius A\\*, the supermassive black hole at the Milky Way’s heart. (Image credit: X-ray: NASA\/UMass\/D.Wang et al., IR: NASA\/STScI)\n\n\"These are the observations that will help us to sort through all the wild theories about black holes — and there are many wild theories,\" Gopal Narayanan, an astronomy research professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, [said in a statement](http:\/\/www.umass.edu\/newsoffice\/article\/peering-black-holes-using-earth-sized). \"With data from this project, we will understand things about black holes that we have never understood before.\"\n\nThe project, known as the [Event Horizon Telescope](https:\/\/www.space.com\/36209-astronomers-will-peer-inside-black-event-horizon-telescope.html) (EHT), links up observatories in Hawaii, Arizona, California, Mexico, Chile, Spain and Antarctica to create the equivalent of a radio instrument the size of the entire Earth. Such a powerful tool is necessary to view the event horizon of Sgr A\\*, which lies 26,000 light-years from our planet, EHT team members said.\n\n\"That's like trying to image a grapefruit on the surface of the moon,\" Narayanan said.\n\nDuring the current campaign, EHT is also eyeing the supermassive [black hole](https:\/\/www.space.com\/15421-black-holes-facts-formation-discovery-sdcmp.html) at the core of the galaxy M87, which lies 53.5 million light-years from Earth. This monster black hole's mass is about 6 billion times that of the sun, so its event horizon is larger than that of Sgr A\\*, Narayanan said.\n\nBreaking space news, the latest updates on rocket launches, skywatching events and more\\!\n\nThese observations should help astronomers determine the mass, spin and other characteristics of supermassive black holes with better precision, team members said. The researchers also aim to learn more about how material accretes into disks around black holes, and the mechanics of the plasma jets that blast from these light-gobbling giants.\n\nEHT could also reveal more about the \"information paradox\" — a long-standing puzzle about whether information about the material gobbled up by black holes can be destroyed — and other deep cosmological mysteries, team members said.\n\n\"At the very heart of [Einstein's general theory of relativity](https:\/\/www.space.com\/17661-theory-general-relativity.html), there is a notion that quantum mechanics and general relativity can be melded, that there is a grand, unified theory of fundamental concepts,\" Narayanan said. \"The place to study that is at the event horizon of a black hole.\"\n\n![black hole particles escaping](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iJfPWRCDs7nQjLL7nNnxF7.jpg)\n\nThough the current observing campaign will be over soon, it will take a while for astronomers to piece together the images. For starters, so much information will be collected by the participating telescopes around the world that it will be physically flown, rather than transmitted, to the central processing facility at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Haystack Observatory.\n\nThen, the data will have to be calibrated to account for different weather, atmospheric and other conditions at the various sites. The first results from the campaign will likely be published next year, EHT team members said.\n\n*Follow Mike Wall on Twitter* [*@michaeldwall*](http:\/\/twitter.com\/michaeldwall) *and* [*Google+*](https:\/\/plus.google.com\/u\/0\/108984047382030613667\/posts)*. Follow us* [*@Spacedotcom*](http:\/\/twitter.com\/spacedotcom)*,* [*Facebook*](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/spacecom) *or* [*Google+*](https:\/\/plus.google.com\/+SPACEcom\/posts)*. Originally published on* [*Space.com*](http:\/\/www.space.com\/)*.*\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 . Please enter it below to verify your account.\n\nUpdate Your Email Address\n\nYou may enter a new email address below. You will be sent a verification code to the address you provide.\n\nCreate a Username\n\nThis will be publicly viewable so make it something you like\\!\n\nReset your password\n\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.\n\nCheck your inbox\n\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.\n\nSet new password\n\nPlease enter your new password below.\n\nLeaderboard\n\n| Rank | Player | Score | Time |\n|---|---|---|---|\n\nMichael Wall is the Spaceflight and Tech Editor for [Space.com](https:\/\/www.space.com\/) and joined the team in 2010. He primarily covers human and robotic spaceflight, military space, and exoplanets, but has been known to dabble in the space art beat. His book about the search for alien life, \"Out There,\" was published on Nov. 13, 2018. Before becoming a science writer, Michael worked as a herpetologist and wildlife biologist. He has a Ph.D. in evolutionary biology from the University of Sydney, Australia, a bachelor's degree from the University of Arizona, and a graduate certificate in science writing from the University of California, Santa Cruz. To find out what his latest project is, you can follow Michael on Twitter.","meta_canonical":null}

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Meta Title	Photographing a Black Hole: Historic Campaign Now Underway \| Space
Meta Description	The campaign to capture the first-ever image of a black hole has begun.
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Boilerpipe Text	A computer-simulation view of a supermassive black hole at the heart of a galaxy. The edge of the black central region represents the event horizon, beyond which no light can escape. (Image credit: NASA, ESA, and D. Coe, J. Anderson, and R. van der Marel (STScI)) The campaign to capture the first-ever image of a black hole has begun. From today (April 5) through April 14, astronomers will use a system of radio telescopes around the world to peer at the gigantic black hole at the center of the Milky Way, a behemoth called Sagittarius A* (Sgr A) that's 4 million times more massive than the sun. The researchers hope to photograph Sgr A's event horizon — the "point of no return" beyond which nothing, not even light, can escape. (The interior of a black hole can never be imaged, because light cannot make it out.) [ The Strangest Black Holes in the Universe ] Article continues below A Hubble Space Telescope view of the Milky Way galaxy’s center in infrared light. The inset shows X-rays in the region around Sagittarius A, the supermassive black hole at the Milky Way’s heart. (Image credit: X-ray: NASA/UMass/D.Wang et al., IR: NASA/STScI) "These are the observations that will help us to sort through all the wild theories about black holes — and there are many wild theories," Gopal Narayanan, an astronomy research professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, said in a statement . "With data from this project, we will understand things about black holes that we have never understood before." The project, known as the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT), links up observatories in Hawaii, Arizona, California, Mexico, Chile, Spain and Antarctica to create the equivalent of a radio instrument the size of the entire Earth. Such a powerful tool is necessary to view the event horizon of Sgr A, which lies 26,000 light-years from our planet, EHT team members said. "That's like trying to image a grapefruit on the surface of the moon," Narayanan said. During the current campaign, EHT is also eyeing the supermassive black hole at the core of the galaxy M87, which lies 53.5 million light-years from Earth. This monster black hole's mass is about 6 billion times that of the sun, so its event horizon is larger than that of Sgr A*, Narayanan said. Breaking space news, the latest updates on rocket launches, skywatching events and more! These observations should help astronomers determine the mass, spin and other characteristics of supermassive black holes with better precision, team members said. The researchers also aim to learn more about how material accretes into disks around black holes, and the mechanics of the plasma jets that blast from these light-gobbling giants. EHT could also reveal more about the "information paradox" — a long-standing puzzle about whether information about the material gobbled up by black holes can be destroyed — and other deep cosmological mysteries, team members said. "At the very heart of Einstein's general theory of relativity , there is a notion that quantum mechanics and general relativity can be melded, that there is a grand, unified theory of fundamental concepts," Narayanan said. "The place to study that is at the event horizon of a black hole." Though the current observing campaign will be over soon, it will take a while for astronomers to piece together the images. For starters, so much information will be collected by the participating telescopes around the world that it will be physically flown, rather than transmitted, to the central processing facility at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Haystack Observatory. Then, the data will have to be calibrated to account for different weather, atmospheric and other conditions at the various sites. The first results from the campaign will likely be published next year, EHT team members said. Follow Mike Wall on Twitter @michaeldwall and Google+ . Follow us @Spacedotcom , Facebook or Google+ . Originally published on Space.com . 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 Michael Wall is the Spaceflight and Tech Editor for Space.com and joined the team in 2010. He primarily covers human and robotic spaceflight, military space, and exoplanets, but has been known to dabble in the space art beat. His book about the search for alien life, "Out There," was published on Nov. 13, 2018. Before becoming a science writer, Michael worked as a herpetologist and wildlife biologist. He has a Ph.D. in evolutionary biology from the University of Sydney, Australia, a bachelor's degree from the University of Arizona, and a graduate certificate in science writing from the University of California, Santa Cruz. To find out what his latest project is, you can follow Michael on Twitter.
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[Astronomy](https://www.space.com/astronomy) 2. [Black Holes](https://www.space.com/astronomy/black-holes) # Photographing a Black Hole: Historic Campaign Now Underway [News](https://www.space.com/news) By [Mike Wall](https://www.space.com/author/mike-wall) ( [space.com-astronomy](https://www.space.com/space-com-astronomy) ) published April 5, 2017 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). Click for next article ![Supermassive Black Hole Simulation](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/kzvPVZRzUkxWwLSKKdSNmZ.jpg) A computer-simulation view of a supermassive black hole at the heart of a galaxy. The edge of the black central region represents the event horizon, beyond which no light can escape. (Image credit: NASA, ESA, and D. Coe, J. Anderson, and R. van der Marel (STScI)) Share - Copy link - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.space.com%2F36360-black-hole-image-event-horizon-telescope.html) - [X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Photographing+a+Black+Hole%3A+Historic+Campaign+Now+Underway&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.space.com%2F36360-black-hole-image-event-horizon-telescope.html) - [Whatsapp](whatsapp://send?text=Photographing+a+Black+Hole%3A+Historic+Campaign+Now+Underway+https%3A%2F%2Fwww.space.com%2F36360-black-hole-image-event-horizon-telescope.html?fwa) - [Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/submit?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.space.com%2F36360-black-hole-image-event-horizon-telescope.html&title=Photographing+a+Black+Hole%3A+Historic+Campaign+Now+Underway) - [Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.space.com%2F36360-black-hole-image-event-horizon-telescope.html&media=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net%2FkzvPVZRzUkxWwLSKKdSNmZ.jpg) - [Flipboard](https://share.flipboard.com/bookmarklet/popout?title=Photographing+a+Black+Hole%3A+Historic+Campaign+Now+Underway&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.space.com%2F36360-black-hole-image-event-horizon-telescope.html) - [Email](mailto:?subject=I%20found%20this%20webpage&body=Hi,%20I%20found%20this%20webpage%20and%20thought%20you%20might%20like%20it%20https://www.space.com/36360-black-hole-image-event-horizon-telescope.html) Share this article Join the conversation [Follow us](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=space.com) Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter 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. 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 campaign to capture the first-ever image of a black hole has begun. From today (April 5) through April 14, astronomers will use a system of radio telescopes around the world to peer at the gigantic black hole at the center of the Milky Way, a behemoth called [Sagittarius A\](https://www.youtube.com/user/VideoFromSpace) (Sgr A\) that's 4 million times more massive than the sun. The researchers hope to photograph Sgr A\'s event horizon — the "point of no return" beyond which nothing, not even light, can escape. (The interior of a black hole can never be imaged, because light cannot make it out.) \[[The Strangest Black Holes in the Universe](https://www.space.com/15941-strangest-black-holes-universe-countdown.html)\] Article continues below You may like - [![M87\ and its cosmic blowtorch-like jet as seen by the Hubble Space Telescope](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hpLw8QjLxtFpwGinGSiYF7.png) Astronomers watch 1st black hole ever imaged launch a 3,000‑light‑year‑long cosmic jet from its glowing 'shadow'](https://www.space.com/astronomy/black-holes/astronomers-watch-1st-black-hole-ever-imaged-launch-a-3-000-light-year-long-cosmic-jet-from-its-glowing-shadow) - [![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) - [![The central molecular zone and its location in the Milky Way](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/7MRALWXNbuwzLoNekxbdnD.png) World's largest radio telescope array pierces heart of our Milky Way: 'This is just the beginning'](https://www.space.com/astronomy/galaxies/worlds-largest-radio-telescope-array-pierces-heart-of-our-milky-way-this-is-just-the-beginning) ![A Hubble Space Telescope view of the Milky Way galaxy\&rsquo;s center in infrared light. The inset shows X-rays in the region around Sagittarius A\, the supermassive black hole at the Milky Way\&rsquo;s heart.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/g7ZYddj4nQJw4q5GBVcJoB.jpg) A Hubble Space Telescope view of the Milky Way galaxy’s center in infrared light. The inset shows X-rays in the region around Sagittarius A\, the supermassive black hole at the Milky Way’s heart. (Image credit: X-ray: NASA/UMass/D.Wang et al., IR: NASA/STScI) "These are the observations that will help us to sort through all the wild theories about black holes — and there are many wild theories," Gopal Narayanan, an astronomy research professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, [said in a statement](http://www.umass.edu/newsoffice/article/peering-black-holes-using-earth-sized). "With data from this project, we will understand things about black holes that we have never understood before." The project, known as the [Event Horizon Telescope](https://www.space.com/36209-astronomers-will-peer-inside-black-event-horizon-telescope.html) (EHT), links up observatories in Hawaii, Arizona, California, Mexico, Chile, Spain and Antarctica to create the equivalent of a radio instrument the size of the entire Earth. Such a powerful tool is necessary to view the event horizon of Sgr A\, which lies 26,000 light-years from our planet, EHT team members said. "That's like trying to image a grapefruit on the surface of the moon," Narayanan said. [Click here for more Space.com videos...](https://videos.space.com/m/xamYRx2E/black-holes-warping-time-and-space-video?list=9wzCTV4g) During the current campaign, EHT is also eyeing the supermassive [black hole](https://www.space.com/15421-black-holes-facts-formation-discovery-sdcmp.html) at the core of the galaxy M87, which lies 53.5 million light-years from Earth. This monster black hole's mass is about 6 billion times that of the sun, so its event horizon is larger than that of Sgr A\, Narayanan said. 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. These observations should help astronomers determine the mass, spin and other characteristics of supermassive black holes with better precision, team members said. The researchers also aim to learn more about how material accretes into disks around black holes, and the mechanics of the plasma jets that blast from these light-gobbling giants. EHT could also reveal more about the "information paradox" — a long-standing puzzle about whether information about the material gobbled up by black holes can be destroyed — and other deep cosmological mysteries, team members said. "At the very heart of [Einstein's general theory of relativity](https://www.space.com/17661-theory-general-relativity.html), there is a notion that quantum mechanics and general relativity can be melded, that there is a grand, unified theory of fundamental concepts," Narayanan said. "The place to study that is at the event horizon of a black hole." ![black hole particles escaping](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/iJfPWRCDs7nQjLL7nNnxF7.jpg) Though the current observing campaign will be over soon, it will take a while for astronomers to piece together the images. For starters, so much information will be collected by the participating telescopes around the world that it will be physically flown, rather than transmitted, to the central processing facility at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Haystack Observatory. Then, the data will have to be calibrated to account for different weather, atmospheric and other conditions at the various sites. The first results from the campaign will likely be published next year, EHT team members said. Follow Mike Wall on Twitter [@michaeldwall](http://twitter.com/michaeldwall) and [Google+](https://plus.google.com/u/0/108984047382030613667/posts). Follow us [@Spacedotcom](http://twitter.com/spacedotcom), [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/spacecom) or [Google+](https://plus.google.com/+SPACEcom/posts). Originally published on [Space.com](http://www.space.com/). 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. You will be sent a verification code to the phone number you provide. 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 Your Email Address You may enter a new email address below. You will be sent a verification code to the address you provide. 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 \| \|---\|---\|---\|---\| Log In or Register More Quizzes Log Out ![Mike Wall](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ko9uBeoLfpGrWgq3eDjap3.jpg) [Mike Wall](https://www.space.com/author/mike-wall) Social Links Navigation Spaceflight and Tech Editor Michael Wall is the Spaceflight and Tech Editor for [Space.com](https://www.space.com/) and joined the team in 2010. He primarily covers human and robotic spaceflight, military space, and exoplanets, but has been known to dabble in the space art beat. His book about the search for alien life, "Out There," was published on Nov. 13, 2018. Before becoming a science writer, Michael worked as a herpetologist and wildlife biologist. He has a Ph.D. in evolutionary biology from the University of Sydney, Australia, a bachelor's degree from the University of Arizona, and a graduate certificate in science writing from the University of California, Santa Cruz. To find out what his latest project is, you can follow Michael on Twitter. Read more [![M87\* and its cosmic blowtorch-like jet as seen by the Hubble Space Telescope](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hpLw8QjLxtFpwGinGSiYF7.png) Black Holes Astronomers watch 1st black hole ever imaged launch a 3,000‑light‑year‑long cosmic jet from its glowing 'shadow'](https://www.space.com/astronomy/black-holes/astronomers-watch-1st-black-hole-ever-imaged-launch-a-3-000-light-year-long-cosmic-jet-from-its-glowing-shadow "Astronomers watch 1st black hole ever imaged launch a 3,000‑light‑year‑long cosmic jet from its glowing 'shadow'") [![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") [![The central molecular zone and its location in the Milky Way](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/7MRALWXNbuwzLoNekxbdnD.png) Galaxies World's largest radio telescope array pierces heart of our Milky Way: 'This is just the beginning'](https://www.space.com/astronomy/galaxies/worlds-largest-radio-telescope-array-pierces-heart-of-our-milky-way-this-is-just-the-beginning "World's largest radio telescope array pierces heart of our Milky Way: 'This is just the beginning'") [![(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") [![A pink disk of swirling gas and light is bisected by a glowing blue line of light](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/tEwkqxoNsYRnzZdBFKi4Bk.jpg) James Webb Space Telescope This is the sharpest view ever seen of a black hole's dusty disk](https://www.space.com/astronomy/james-webb-space-telescope/this-is-the-sharpest-view-ever-seen-of-a-black-holes-dusty-disk "This is the sharpest view ever seen of a black hole's dusty disk") [![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?") 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 [![An orange rocket stands on a mound before a pale blue sky.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/oRYPkDiBUdxpQmXvd4jwSP.jpg) Missions Artemis 2 moon mission latest news: NASA prepares for April 1 launch for lunar astronauts](https://www.space.com/news/live/artemis-2-nasa-moon-mission-launch-updates-march-26-2026 "Artemis 2 moon mission latest news: NASA prepares for April 1 launch for lunar astronauts") [![people in white lab coats look up at a large rectangular telescope sheathed in clear plastic in a large hangar](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/EyUJCsc3sY2WrrSuJCuAcn.jpg) Astronomy Rattling the Roman Space Telescope \\| Space photo of the day for March 26, 2026](https://www.space.com/astronomy/rattling-the-roman-space-telescope-space-photo-of-the-day-for-march-26-2026 "Rattling the Roman Space Telescope \| Space photo of the day for March 26, 2026") [![two pale yellow orbs on a black background](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/R2CaNUvsRd5fbm5fofD3Ym.jpg) Saturn Incredible new NASA images reveal Saturn in a new light — and it's all thanks to a telescope team-up from Webb and Hubble](https://www.space.com/astronomy/saturn/incredible-new-nasa-images-reveal-saturn-in-a-new-light-and-its-all-thanks-to-a-telescope-team-up-from-webb-and-hubble "Incredible new NASA images reveal Saturn in a new light — and it's all thanks to a telescope team-up from Webb and Hubble") [![Four astroanuts in orange spacesuits with a NASA Artemis 2 patch](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/oDj2Zu7UzfTcvK9XnG6XPg.png) Artemis Inside Artemis 2: NASA's historic astronaut moon mission explained (video series)](https://www.space.com/space-exploration/artemis/inside-artemis-2-nasas-historic-astronaut-moon-mission-explained-video-series "Inside Artemis 2: NASA's historic astronaut moon mission explained (video series) ") [![An illustration of an exoplanet next to a star. 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Readable Markdown	![Supermassive Black Hole Simulation](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/kzvPVZRzUkxWwLSKKdSNmZ.jpg) A computer-simulation view of a supermassive black hole at the heart of a galaxy. The edge of the black central region represents the event horizon, beyond which no light can escape. (Image credit: NASA, ESA, and D. Coe, J. Anderson, and R. van der Marel (STScI)) The campaign to capture the first-ever image of a black hole has begun. From today (April 5) through April 14, astronomers will use a system of radio telescopes around the world to peer at the gigantic black hole at the center of the Milky Way, a behemoth called [Sagittarius A\](https://www.youtube.com/user/VideoFromSpace) (Sgr A\) that's 4 million times more massive than the sun. The researchers hope to photograph Sgr A\'s event horizon — the "point of no return" beyond which nothing, not even light, can escape. (The interior of a black hole can never be imaged, because light cannot make it out.) \[[The Strangest Black Holes in the Universe](https://www.space.com/15941-strangest-black-holes-universe-countdown.html)\] Article continues below ![A Hubble Space Telescope view of the Milky Way galaxy\&rsquo;s center in infrared light. The inset shows X-rays in the region around Sagittarius A\, the supermassive black hole at the Milky Way\&rsquo;s heart.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/g7ZYddj4nQJw4q5GBVcJoB.jpg) A Hubble Space Telescope view of the Milky Way galaxy’s center in infrared light. The inset shows X-rays in the region around Sagittarius A\, the supermassive black hole at the Milky Way’s heart. (Image credit: X-ray: NASA/UMass/D.Wang et al., IR: NASA/STScI) "These are the observations that will help us to sort through all the wild theories about black holes — and there are many wild theories," Gopal Narayanan, an astronomy research professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, [said in a statement](http://www.umass.edu/newsoffice/article/peering-black-holes-using-earth-sized). "With data from this project, we will understand things about black holes that we have never understood before." The project, known as the [Event Horizon Telescope](https://www.space.com/36209-astronomers-will-peer-inside-black-event-horizon-telescope.html) (EHT), links up observatories in Hawaii, Arizona, California, Mexico, Chile, Spain and Antarctica to create the equivalent of a radio instrument the size of the entire Earth. Such a powerful tool is necessary to view the event horizon of Sgr A\, which lies 26,000 light-years from our planet, EHT team members said. "That's like trying to image a grapefruit on the surface of the moon," Narayanan said. During the current campaign, EHT is also eyeing the supermassive [black hole](https://www.space.com/15421-black-holes-facts-formation-discovery-sdcmp.html) at the core of the galaxy M87, which lies 53.5 million light-years from Earth. This monster black hole's mass is about 6 billion times that of the sun, so its event horizon is larger than that of Sgr A\, Narayanan said. Breaking space news, the latest updates on rocket launches, skywatching events and more\! These observations should help astronomers determine the mass, spin and other characteristics of supermassive black holes with better precision, team members said. The researchers also aim to learn more about how material accretes into disks around black holes, and the mechanics of the plasma jets that blast from these light-gobbling giants. EHT could also reveal more about the "information paradox" — a long-standing puzzle about whether information about the material gobbled up by black holes can be destroyed — and other deep cosmological mysteries, team members said. "At the very heart of [Einstein's general theory of relativity](https://www.space.com/17661-theory-general-relativity.html), there is a notion that quantum mechanics and general relativity can be melded, that there is a grand, unified theory of fundamental concepts," Narayanan said. "The place to study that is at the event horizon of a black hole." ![black hole particles escaping](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/iJfPWRCDs7nQjLL7nNnxF7.jpg) Though the current observing campaign will be over soon, it will take a while for astronomers to piece together the images. For starters, so much information will be collected by the participating telescopes around the world that it will be physically flown, rather than transmitted, to the central processing facility at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Haystack Observatory. Then, the data will have to be calibrated to account for different weather, atmospheric and other conditions at the various sites. The first results from the campaign will likely be published next year, EHT team members said. Follow Mike Wall on Twitter* [@michaeldwall](http://twitter.com/michaeldwall) and [Google+](https://plus.google.com/u/0/108984047382030613667/posts). Follow us [@Spacedotcom](http://twitter.com/spacedotcom), [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/spacecom) or [Google+](https://plus.google.com/+SPACEcom/posts). Originally published on [Space.com](http://www.space.com/). 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 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 Your Mobile No. You may enter a new mobile number below. You will be sent a verification code to the phone number you provide. 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 Your Email Address You may enter a new email address below. You will be sent a verification code to the address you provide. Create a Username This will be publicly viewable so make it something you like\! Reset your password Enter your email address below. 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He has a Ph.D. in evolutionary biology from the University of Sydney, Australia, a bachelor's degree from the University of Arizona, and a graduate certificate in science writing from the University of California, Santa Cruz. To find out what his latest project is, you can follow Michael on Twitter.
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