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"Black" Black Holes:
Chandra Uncovers New Evidence For Event Horizons Surrounding Black Holes

Credit: CXC/M.Weiss
JPEG (51.8 kb) Tiff (5.2 MB) PS (5.9 MB)
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.

More Information on "Black" Black Holes:
Press Room: "Black" Black Holes
More Images of "Black" Black Holes
"Black" Black Holes Handout: html | pdf
Powerpoint and PDF
Related Chandra Images:
Photo Album: M33 X-7 (17 Oct 07)
Photo Album: Cygnus X-1, XTE J1650-500 & GX 339-4 (17 Sep 03)
More Information on Black Holes:
X-ray Astronomy Field Guide: Black Holes
Questions and Answers: Black Holes
Chandra Images: Black Holes


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