How do accretion disks provide evidence for black holes?

[StatusX]

I'm doing a project on accretion disks, and I was wondering if anyone could suggest something interesting relating to their observation that I could talk about. One thing I remember reading was that accretion discs are one of the most compelling means of proving the existence of black holes. Is this true, and if so, why? Thanks.

 

[SpaceTiger]

I'm doing a project on accretion disks, and I was wondering if anyone could suggest something interesting relating to their observation that I could talk about.

There are a lot of things one could talk about, particularly as concerns quasars. Could you be a bit more specific?

One thing I remember reading was that accretion discs are one of the most compelling means of proving the existence of black holes.

You may be thinking about this:

http://lanl.arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/0107387"

 

[Labguy]

This site is a more simplified summary if you're looking for something more generic (basic). About 2/3 down the page for accretion disk info.

http://www.astronomynotes.com/evolutn/s13.htm