Black Holes

1. By: Trevor Risher Black Holes

2. Definition • A black hole is a region of space that results from a collapsing star. It has a gravitational force that is so great that nothing can get get out of it, including light.

3. How It Happens The flame of thermonuclear fusion is extinguished. Then, the star begins to collapse in on itself. If it large enough, the star will not stop collapsing. This causes it to collapse in on itself and also collapse in on space. The collapsing never ends, thus creating the black hole. The black hole could potentially continue to grow in size by absorbing mass from it’s surroundings.

4. Facts • Can’t be seen without looking for x-rays emitting from the black hole. • The black hole is no larger than the star in which it collapsed from. • Some black holes are charged, and repel other black holes that are close enough, like two magnets would. • The event horizon determines if anything is being sucked into the black hole.

5. Question • Our sun is not massive enough to become a black hole, but if it were, and it collapsed from its present size to become a black hole, would Earth be drawn into it?

6. Answer • No, the gravitational force between the solar black hole and Earth would not change. Earth and other planets would continue in their orbits.