Cosmos full with black holes

Posted on Thursday, October 12 2006 @ 6:10 CEST by Thomas De Maesschalck

Scientists unveiled the first complete census of black hole activity in the local universe and report its packed with black holes. Within 400 million light-years or our plane there are more than 200 supermassive blackholes, according to Dr JAck Tueller from the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. These objects, also known as active galactic nuclei or AGN, are millions or even billions times as large as the Sun and occupy a region of space about the size of our solar system.

As they gobble up nearby matter, the black holes generate x-rays and many other forms of energy.

Other black holes also spew out jets of particles, which a related research project has determined are made up of protons and electrons.

Despite their violent activity, many AGN are obscured by surrounding gas and dust. The scientists say they aren't sure why only a few percent of the black holes appear to be actively consuming matter. More details at ABC.

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Thomas De Maesschalck

Thomas has been messing with computer since early childhood and firmly believes the Internet is the best thing since sliced bread. Enjoys playing with new tech, is fascinated by science, and passionate about financial markets. When not behind a computer, he can be found with running shoes on or lifting heavy weights in the weight room.

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