Science & technology | Cosmology

Two of the most enigmatic phenomena in the cosmos may be linked

Black holes could be reserves of the dark energy that pushes the universe apart

Black hole. Computer artwork representing a black hole against a starfield. A black hole is a super- dense object, thought to form from the collapse of a huge star. Due to their incredible mass, the gravitational field around them is so strong that not even light may escape from their "surface". The point at which light can no longer escape from the object is called the event horizon. Although there is no definite proof of the existance of black holes, several strong candidates have been found in the form of large stars with small, dense companions which emit X-rays. It is thought that matter from the star falls towards the black hole, emitting X-rays before being pulled in.
Image: Science Photo Library

Black holes—objects so dense that nothing can escape their pull—are among the most eye-catching predictions of general relativity, a model of gravitational attraction proposed by Albert Einstein over a century ago. They squat invisibly in the middle of galaxies, feasting on stars and interstellar debris.

This article appeared in the Science & technology section of the print edition under the headline “Black holes and dark energy”

Science & technology February 18th 2023

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