The Astonishing Discovery of a Star Eaten by a Supermassive Black Hole

🌟A star was consumed by a supermassive black hole in a Tidal Disruption Event, resulting in a burst of X-rays.

⏰Observing periodic X-ray pulses can provide information about the spin of black holes.

🔬Scientists have used three methods to measure the spin of black holes, including studying spectra and observing iron emission lines.

🌌Understanding the spin of black holes helps in understanding their growth and the evolution of galaxies.

🌟Tidal Disruption Events are rare occurrences, happening once every 10,000 to 100,000 years in a galaxy.

What is a Tidal Disruption Event?

—A Tidal Disruption Event occurs when a star gets too close to a supermassive black hole and is ripped apart by its gravitational pull.

How do scientists measure the spin of black holes?

—Scientists use methods such as studying spectra, observing iron emission lines, and analyzing periodic X-ray pulses to measure the spin of black holes.

Why is understanding the spin of black holes important?

—Understanding the spin of black holes provides insights into their growth and the evolution of galaxies.

How often do Tidal Disruption Events occur?

—Tidal Disruption Events are thought to occur once every 10,000 to 100,000 years in a galaxy.

What is the significance of the discovery of a star being eaten by a supermassive black hole?

—The discovery provides evidence of a star being consumed by a supermassive black hole, transforming it from a dormant to an observable state.

00:00In November 2014, a burst of X-rays was detected from the center of a galaxy, indicating the consumption of a star by a supermassive black hole.

01:00The star's approach to the black hole resulted in the formation of an accretion disk, emitting visible light, UV, and X-rays observable from Earth.

04:30The spin of black holes can be measured using methods such as studying spectra, observing iron emission lines, and analyzing periodic X-ray pulses.

06:40The spin of a black hole affects the size of its innermost stable circular orbit, known as r-isco.

08:40Measuring the spin of black holes provides insights into their growth and the evolution of galaxies.