Supermassive black hole with torn-apart star (artist’s impression)

This artist’s impression depicts a rapidly spinning supermassive black hole surrounded by an accretion disc. This thin disc of rotating material consists of the leftovers of a Sun-like star which was ripped apart by the tidal forces of the black hole. Shocks in the colliding debris as well as heat generated in accretion led to a burst of light, resembling a supernova explosion.

Credit:

ESO, ESA/Hubble, M. Kornmesser

About the Image

Id:eso1644b
Type:Artwork
Release date:12 December 2016, 17:00
Related releases:eso1644
Size:4992 x 3535 px

About the Object

Type:Early Universe : Galaxy : Component : Central Black Hole
Category:Illustrations
Quasars and Black Holes

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