Life supported by radiation from the accretion disk of a black hole

In summary, the possibility of a planet supporting life is not solely dependent on a star as a source of energy. A rogue planet could use its active core for heat, while a planet orbiting a black hole could use the CMB and the black hole itself to dispose of high entropy energy. However, the presence of an accretion disc around a black hole could also provide hazardous radiation, presenting practical challenges for reaching and sustaining life on such a planet.
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ShayanJ
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For a planet to be able to support life, it needs to have a source of energy. In our case this energy comes from the sun.
But in this paper, the author argues that a rogue planet (a planet that has been ejected from its stellar system and no longer orbits any star and is wandering in interstellar space) can support life using the heat coming from the active core of the planet.
And in this paper, the author argues that a planet orbiting a black hole could support life using the energy from the CMB and using the black hole as a way of disposing of the high entropy energy (which is the total opposite of our case).
But could the radiation from the accretion disk of a black hole provide enough energy for a planet to support life? Wouldn't there be a huge amount of hazardous radiation from the accretion disk?
Thanks
 
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I've only had the chance to skim the paper, but they seem to say that the sky is divided into two parts - the CMB and the black hole. That means, implicitly, that the black hole does not have an accretion disc - i.e. a more or less isolated black hole. That's certainly not problematic for a theoretical exercise, although finding and reaching an isolated black hole would present significant practical problems.

An accretion disc would yield a lot of hard radiation, yes.
 

1. How can life be supported by radiation from the accretion disk of a black hole?

The intense radiation emitted by the accretion disk of a black hole can provide the necessary energy for the existence of life. This radiation can be harnessed by organisms through photosynthesis or other means to sustain their biological processes.

2. Is it possible for life to exist in such extreme conditions near a black hole?

While it may seem unlikely, there is evidence that some extremophile organisms on Earth can survive in extreme conditions similar to those near a black hole. Therefore, it is not impossible for life to exist in such environments.

3. How would the radiation from a black hole's accretion disk affect the evolution of life?

The intense radiation from a black hole's accretion disk could have a significant impact on the evolution of life. Organisms would need to adapt to survive in such an environment, potentially leading to unique and specialized forms of life.

4. Can the radiation from a black hole's accretion disk be harmful to life?

Yes, the intense radiation from a black hole's accretion disk can be harmful to life. Organisms would need to have protective mechanisms or adaptations to shield themselves from this radiation in order to survive.

5. Are there any known examples of life supported by radiation from a black hole's accretion disk?

Currently, there are no known examples of life supported by radiation from a black hole's accretion disk. However, there is ongoing research and speculation about the possibility of such life existing in the universe.

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