How do space missions contribute to our understanding of black holes?

Black holes are some of the most mysterious and intriguing entities in the universe, exerting a powerful gravitational pull that not even light can escape. Space missions play a crucial role in helping scientists unravel the mysteries surrounding black holes and gain a deeper understanding of these cosmic phenomena.

Event Horizon Telescope

The Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) is a global network of radio telescopes that work together to create a virtual Earth-sized telescope capable of capturing images of black holes. In 2019, the EHT collaboration successfully captured the first-ever image of the event horizon of a black hole, providing invaluable insights into their structure and behavior.

Chandra X-ray Observatory

The Chandra X-ray Observatory is a space telescope specifically designed to detect X-ray emissions from high-energy regions in the universe, such as black holes. By studying the X-ray emissions from black holes, scientists can gather information about their accretion disks, jets, and interactions with nearby matter.

Overall, space missions like the Event Horizon Telescope and Chandra X-ray Observatory are essential tools for advancing our knowledge of black holes and their role in shaping the universe. Through these missions, scientists can conduct groundbreaking research that deepens our understanding of these enigmatic cosmic entities.