"Estimating the Age of a Black Hole"

In summary, the age of a black hole cannot be determined directly, but it can be estimated through circumstantial evidence such as the age of the galaxy it resides in and the mass and infall rate of matter. There is no certain indicator for determining the age of a black hole. The size of a black hole can vary greatly, with the largest known black hole being 10 billion times the mass of the sun. The age of a black hole is determined by factors such as its size, mass, activity, and influence on its surroundings.
  • #1
rrchr
3
0
Is it possible to know BH age?
 
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  • #2
rrchr said:
Is it possible to know BH age?

not by direct evidence, but one can tell something from circumstantial evidence.
If it is the supermassive black hole at a galaxy's center then the age of the galaxy should help tell something. Also the mass and estimated rate of infall should help give bounds on the age.
I doubt very much that there is any certain indicator.
 
  • #3
G'day from the land of ozzzzzzzz

How big can a black hole grow?
http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn14653

Indian-American detects black holes with 10 billion times sun's mass
http://news.webindia123.com/news/Articles/Science/20080912/1051159.html

Is there a minimum and a maximum size to stars and black holes?
http://www.astronomycafe.net/qadir/q330.html

Age of a black hole is determined by:

Size, Mass, activity infalling matter, outfalling matter, gravitational influence on surroundings and the size of the jet formed.
 

1. How do scientists estimate the age of a black hole?

Scientists estimate the age of a black hole by using various methods such as observing the radiation emitted by the black hole, studying the stars and gas surrounding it, and analyzing the gravitational effects on nearby objects.

2. Can the age of a black hole be accurately determined?

Yes, the age of a black hole can be accurately determined by using different methods and making calculations based on the observations. However, there may be some uncertainty due to the limitations of our current technology and understanding of black holes.

3. How does the size of a black hole affect its estimated age?

The size of a black hole does not directly affect its estimated age. However, a larger black hole may have formed earlier in the universe's history and therefore would have a higher estimated age compared to a smaller black hole.

4. Is it possible to estimate the age of a black hole that is not currently active?

Yes, it is possible to estimate the age of a black hole that is not currently active. Scientists can still observe the radiation and gravitational effects of the black hole's past activity to determine its age.

5. How accurate are the estimated ages of black holes?

The estimated ages of black holes are relatively accurate, but there may be some uncertainty due to the limitations of our current technology and understanding of black holes. As technology and research continue to improve, the accuracy of estimated ages may also improve.

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