The relationship between a black hole and a star in one of these systems is parasitic, as the black hole consumes mass from its companion. In the visualization (which features a super trippy synth-wave soundtrack), this is shown by the pronounced teardrop shape of some of the stars. NASA says that black holes collect star matter in one of two main ways: there could be a constant stream of stellar gas flowing directly into the black hole, or the black hole could be passively consuming the star’s stellar wind. This matter then forms the black hole’s accretion disk, which glows in visible, ultraviolet, and X-ray light.
Advertisement
2 / 7
The First Image of a Black Hole and Its Shadow
The First Image of a Black Hole and Its Shadow
Read more: Gaze Into the Abyss: The First-Ever Image of a Black Hole
Advertisement
3 / 7
A Black Hole’s Magnetic Field Revealed
A Black Hole’s Magnetic Field Revealed
Read more: See a Black Hole’s Magnetic Fields in New Image From the Event Horizon Telescope
Advertisement
5 / 7
A Black Hole Emitting Radio Jets
A Black Hole Emitting Radio Jets
Advertisement
6 / 7
TIE Fighter Galaxy
TIE Fighter Galaxy
Read more: The Core of This Galaxy Far, Far Away Looks Like a TIE Fighter
Advertisement