Nothing more mysterious
than Black Holes!
It's possible that Black Holes are the most mysterious of all discoveries in the universe. Perhaps because we can't even see them! Scientists only know where they are because there is no light in the surrounding area and all matter has disappeared!
How does one form?
Astronomers believe they were once massive stars (like our Sun) that eventually ran out of "solar fuel" and died out. As the star weakens, it collapses under the pressure of its own gravity, and shrinks into a particle smaller than even an atom! Intense gravity sucks in all surrounding matter, shrinking and destroying anything within range.
At the center of the Milky Way! The vacuum-like suction created by one is so strong that not even light can escape. That means they are sucking in and crushing matter faster than even the speed of light! Scientists believe there are black holes at the center of almost all galaxies, including our own galaxy, the Milky Way!
Still too far to harm us Don't worry, there are no none close enough to Earth to affect us. And the mysteries will remain, possibly forever. If astronauts try to explore too close, they might never see light again. Literally!
Return to the kids Outer Space page!
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