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"Black" Black Holes:
Chandra Uncovers New Evidence For Event Horizons Surrounding Black Holes
Top: This illustration shows gas from the companion
star is drawn by gravity onto the black hole in a
swirling pattern. As the gas nears the event horizon, a
strong gravitational redshift makes it appear redder
and dimmer. When the gas finally crosses the event
horizon, it disappears from view. Because a black hole
has no surface, the central region is black.
Bottom: As above, gas from the companion star flows
down onto the collapsed star--in this case a neutron
star instead of a black hole. As the gas approaches the
neutron star, a similar gravitational redshift makes
the gas appear redder and dimmer. However, when the gas
strikes the solid surface of the neutron star, it glows
brightly.
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