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Layers
Black holes feature three layers. The outer layer is known as an outer event horizon, from which light and matter can still escape since the gravitational pull is comparatively weaker than in the center. The middle layer is known as an inner event horizon. At this layer, the gravitational pull of the black hole is greater and matter cannot escape it, forcing objects to the center of the black hole, which is known as a singularity. Here, at the original location of the collapsed star, the gravitational pull is at its strongest.
How to See a Black Hole
You cannot observe black holes directly, since light cannot escape. This makes identifying and locating black holes an inexact science. As a result, astronomers can only observe a black hole by the activity of the objects around it. The gravitational pull drags matter toward the black hole; this movement of matter toward its singularity creates a radiation known as Rontgen, which astronomers can measure. The higher the concentration of Rontgen, the closer an object is to the center of a black hole.
Size
Black holes are small yet powerful. Million-solar-mass holes, which scientists believe are at the center of every galaxy, are thought to have a radius of 2 million miles -- about three to four times the size of the sun. A black hole with an equivalent mass of the sun would only be two miles in radius. Astronomers believe that black holes exist at the center of galaxies with some featuring black holes with masses equal to 100 billion stars.
Nearest Black Hole to Earth
The nearest black hole to Earth is 1,600 light years away. It is named V4641 Sgr since it is located within the Sagittarius constellation in the Milky Way. This rare type of black hole is known as a microquasar and was first identified as a star; however, in 1999, scientists concluded that it possessed the attributes of a black hole.