The Science Behind Black Holes

Short Science Explained

You'll learn:

What is a black hole?
A region in space where gravity is so strong that nothing, not even light, can escape. Black holes form from the collapse of massive stars, creating a point of infinite density known as the singularity.

The Event Horizon:
The boundary surrounding a black hole, beyond which nothing can return. This invisible "edge" plays a crucial role in the way black holes interact with their surroundings.

Time Dilation:
How time slows down near the event horizon due to the immense gravitational pull, creating a mind-boggling effect where time passes differently near a black hole compared to the rest of the universe.

Supermassive Black Holes and Quasars:
These giants, located at the centers of galaxies, emit powerful jets of radiation and may play a key role in galaxy formation and evolution.

Hawking Radiation:
Stephen Hawking’s discovery that black holes emit a faint radiation and can eventually evaporate over time.

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.

Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada