Black hole research confirmed Einstein's theory.
Researchers from Oxford, observing the "plunge region" around a black hole, successfully validated one of Albert Einstein's fundamental theories of gravity. The team observed gravity in its "most extreme form" during this research. By the end of this year, a second team from Oxford hopes to capture the first images of larger, more distant black holes.
A team from the University of Oxford conducted research using X-ray data to better understand black holes. During this study, the team observed gravity in its “most extreme form.”
Einstein’s theory explains that as particles approach a black hole, it becomes impossible for them to follow circular orbits safely.
Instead of following circular orbits, particles dive toward the object at speeds close to the speed of light, creating what’s known as the “plunge region.”
THEORY PROVEN FOR THE FIRST TIME
Dr. Andrew Mummery from the Physics Department at the University of Oxford stated regarding the research, “Einstein’s theory predicted the existence of this final plunge, but we were able to prove it for the first time.”
Mummery believes that understanding the theory of gravity represents an exciting new development in the study of black holes, providing the opportunity to investigate this final region around them. “Only then can we fully understand the force of gravity,” he said.
Researchers say there has been much debate among astrophysicists for decades about whether the region known as the plunge region can be identified.
MORE DISTANT BLACK HOLES TO BE STUDIED
The Oxford team has spent the past few years developing models for this purpose, and in a recently published study, they demonstrated the first confirmed detection using X-ray telescopes and data from the International Space Station.
By the end of this year, a second Oxford team hopes to capture the first images of larger, more distant black holes.
