So is this scary? (Black Hole in binary system)

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the recent activity of a black hole in the binary system V404 Cygni, located 8,000 light-years away, which some participants initially perceived as a potential threat. However, it is noted that this distance is relatively safe, and the black hole's activity does not indicate an imminent danger. Scientists believe that stellar mass black holes are common in our galaxy, and the current emissions of X-rays may not be directly linked to the companion star's orbit. There is speculation about the variability of the companion star affecting mass transfer to the black hole. Overall, the threat from this black hole appears minimal, and the phenomenon may be due to mass accumulation in the black hole's accretion disc.
Astronomy news on Phys.org
Jimster41 said:
the cnn version of the story... is a bit thin o_O
Close to non-existing.
News at space.com

8 kly is far away, and it is not even a supernova.
 
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Scientists suspect stellar mass black holes may be very common in our galaxy. We are still here so the threat is probably minimal.
 
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It would also suggest that V404 Cygni is not siphoning mass from its companion in a steady and even manner. Since the companion orbits the black hole every 6.5 days, this latest burst of x-ray emissions would not seem to be related to its orbit. Could there be some variability in the companion that causes additional mass to be transferred? Or could it merely be an accumulation of mass in the accretion disc of the black hole before the excess mass is ejected from the poles of the black hole as x-rays and gamma-rays?
 

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