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How to Find a Black Hole

A black hole is a collapsed star with a very strong gravitational field which does not allow anything to escape -- not even light waves. Black holes have horizons, which is the distance from the black hole where, at the speed of light, an object can defy the gravitational pull of the black hole. A black hole has an infinite density of mass (singularity) concentrated to a single point. Astronomers have a theory that black holes form when an object, such as a star or a gas cloud, can no longer sustain the energy require to sustain itself, and it collapses.

Things You'll Need

Astronomy degree
Orbital X-Ray telescope
Measuring instruments

Instructions

- 1
  Acquire astronomy degree/procure employment. While a doctoral (PhD) is likely preferred, a bachelor degree is the first step. Follow through with a Master's Degree and complete your education with a Doctorate in Astronomy. Gain access to the required instrumentation to research and discover black holes.
- 2
  Locate heavenly bodies (stars) behaving oddly. Black holes are nearly impossible to see. For this reason, astronomers look for the effect the massive gravitational pull has on a neighboring star. Once a star is found that is orbiting an unseen object, a theoretical black hole is found. Since the Milky Way Galaxy is close to the Earth, the effects are much easier to observe and calculate.
- 3
  Measure the stars orbiting speed. Through careful observation of the star's orbit and speed, scientists are able to determine the density of the black hole. Observation of the stars movements and careful mapping and graphing of its characteristics (speed and orbit) allow for calculation of the black hole's gravitational pull on the star, and with calculations using formulas developed by astronomers following Newtonian Physics, the mass of the black hole.

Astronomy