ASTRONOMY
“A New Black Hole”
“Scientific American”
September 13, 2000
Evidence that the heavens house a previously unknown type of black hole was
reported by scientists yesterday. Data from NASA’s Chandra X-Ray Observatory
revealed a hole was some 600 light-years from the center of the starburst
galaxy M82. The brightness of the x-ray source indicates that this moon-size
hole has the mass of at least 500 suns, making it intermediate between stellar
black holes and the supermassive black holes found at the centers of galaxies.
“This opens a whole new field of research,” said Martin Ward, a lead author on
one of three papers to be published on the subject. “No one was sure that such
black holes existed, especially outside the centers of galaxies.”
Earlier data from the Roentgen Satellite and the Advanced Satellite for
Cosmology and Astrophysics had suggested that M82 might contain a large black
hole outside its nucleus, but the Chandra results seal the deal. The new object
might have resulted from the collapse of a “hyperstar” or the growth of a
smaller black hole through mergers with others nearby. --Kate Wong
Summary
A new unknown type of black hole was discovered on September 12, 2000. It was
found to be 600 light-years of the Starburst Galaxy M82. An x-ray source
indicates that the moon-size black hole has the mass of at least 500 suns,
“making it intermediate between stellar black holes and the supermassive black
holes found at the center of galaxies” (Scientific America, 1). Scientists were
shocked at this discovery, for they didn’t know that these types of black holes
existed. Scientists believe this black hole may have been due to a collapsed
“hyperstar” or the growth of a smaller black hole through mergers with others
nearby.
Reaction
I find this so very fascinating because I can not even fathom how space and
galaxies exist. With newer and faster technology, come new discoveries, and I
think it’s great that we have the chance to explore a whole new frontier unlike
the one we live on. I am in awe of what is possible today through the means of
such a technologically advanced society. To know that people are able to leave
our earth completely, in search of bigger and better things, utterly blows my
mind.
The Future
Through our discoveries we uncover more and are able to advance due to the
information that we accumulate. Our work and discoveries lead to new
inventions, which in turn change our lifestyle. Scientists are looking toward
the future thinking that some day, we may be able to live in space on another
planet, and they’re most likely correct. Technology has come so far, and it
will continue to advance, as long as there are people on this earth.
Curriculum
Our school has an astronomy/space type course, however it could be so much
stronger. Considering how 0much information there is to discuss about the
planets and galaxies, as well as the discoveries that occur everyday, our
course could easily be one of our finest. I believe that a class like this
could be very popular and interesting due to the constant evolution of
technology. Also if enough money was raised, maybe a planetarium could be built
for further research and learning. It is unlikely that this could happen in
this school district, however it is an idea that would surely benefit those who
enjoy astronomy.