Closer to the Monster - supermassive black hole

In summary, supermassive black holes are much larger and more massive than regular black holes, and are typically found at the center of galaxies. They form through the merger of smaller black holes or the collapse of large amounts of matter. These black holes are detected through their effects on surrounding objects and matter, but they pose no threat to Earth unless they enter our solar system. While theoretically possible, traveling through a supermassive black hole would likely be a one-way journey due to its intense gravitational pull and radiation.
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Nereid
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The ESO today http://www.eso.org/outreach/press-rel/pr-2004/pr-10-04.html results of observations made of the nucleus of NGC1068 (also known as M77).

"They show a configuration of comparatively warm dust (about 50°C) measuring 11 light-years across and 7 light-years thick, with an inner, hotter zone (500°C), about 2 light-years wide."

This is sharpest observation of the region around a supermassive black hole in an AGN galaxy to date, sharper than Hubble!
 
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Nereid, the link does not link?
 
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Oops! :redface:

Try http://www.eso.org/outreach/press-rel/pr-2004/pr-10-04.html
 
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1. What is a supermassive black hole?

A supermassive black hole is a type of black hole that is much larger in size and has a significantly greater mass than regular black holes. They are usually found at the center of galaxies and can have a mass equivalent to billions of suns.

2. How do supermassive black holes form?

Scientists believe that supermassive black holes form when smaller black holes merge together, or when a large amount of gas and matter collapses into a single point due to gravity. The exact process is still not fully understood.

3. How are supermassive black holes detected?

Supermassive black holes are detected by observing their effects on the objects and matter surrounding them. This can include measuring the gravitational pull on nearby stars, observing the powerful jets of radiation emitted from the black hole, and detecting the high-speed rotation of gas and dust around it.

4. Can supermassive black holes be dangerous to Earth?

No, supermassive black holes that are located far away from Earth pose no threat to us. However, if a supermassive black hole were to enter our solar system, it could potentially disrupt the orbits of planets and cause chaos. Fortunately, the closest known supermassive black hole is over 25,000 light-years away.

5. Is it possible to travel through a supermassive black hole?

Theoretically, it is possible to travel through a supermassive black hole, but it would likely be a one-way trip. The intense gravitational pull and powerful radiation would make it nearly impossible for anything to survive the journey. Additionally, the extreme time dilation effects would make it seem like an eternity for an outside observer, while only a few moments would pass for the traveler.

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