In June 2015, astronomers
observed strong, red flashes
of light coming from a black hole as it consumed the star
orbiting it. Scientists studying the event said that each flash was
quick but “blindingly intense, equivalent to the power output of
about 1,000 suns.”
The scientists determined that the flashes were produced
when the black hole could not consume all the matter available
from the orbiting star. Instead, it flung the extra matter away
from itself.
This is not the first time an event such as this has happened.
But these black hole outbursts are rare and unpredictable. The
last time this particular black hole shot off like this was in 1989.
Scientists are excited to study similar outbursts. They believe
it will help them understand more about how black holes and
A black hole consumes a nearby star
in this illustration (top). Scientists
observed this red flash of light
coming from a black hole (right).
33
