Get ready for an unprecedented cosmic spectacle! For the very first time, astronomers are gearing up to capture a movie of a supermassive black hole actively swirling. The Event Horizon Telescope (EHT), a global network of 12 radio telescopes, will be focusing its powerful gaze on the black hole at the centre of the Messier 87 galaxy during March and April. Their mission: to film the accretion disc, the vibrant edge of the event horizon, the point of no return from which nothing, not even light, can escape.
Thi s ambitious project builds on the EHT's groundbreaking achievement in 2019 when they revealed the first-ever image of a black hole's shadow. By strategically positioning telescopes across the globe, from the icy plains of Antarctica to the sun-drenched landscapes of Spain and the technological hubs of Korea, the EHT can effectively create a virtual Earth-sized telescope. As our planet rotates, M87's central black hole will be observable by different telescopes sequentially. This allows for the capture of a complete image every three days, paving the way for a dynamic, three-dimensional view of this cosmic giant.
The significance of this endeavour extends beyond just a visual feast. By measuring the black hole's spin speed, scientists hope to unlock secrets about how these colossal objects grow. If black holes primarily grow through a steady accumulation of surrounding material, they are expected to spin incredibly fast. Conversely, if mergers with other black holes are their m ain growth mechanism, each collision could lead to a slower rotation. Furthermore, these observations could shed light on the enigmatic formation of black hole jets – some of the most powerful structures in the universe, capable of expelling vast streams of gas that influence star formation within and beyond their host galaxies. Although the filming will happen in spring, the sheer volume of data means a lengthy wait for processing, with hard drives needing to be shipped to Germany and the US during the Antarctic summer. So, while the cosmic drama unfolds soon, seeing the final cinematic masterpiece is likely some time away.
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