Supermassive black hole

Definition

Supermassive black holes are extremely dense regions at the centers of galaxies with masses ranging from millions to billions of times that of the Sun. They exert immense gravitational forces that can influence entire galaxies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Supermassive black holes are found at the center of most large galaxies, including our Milky Way.
2. The event horizon is the boundary beyond which nothing can escape the gravitational pull of a supermassive black hole.
3. Quasars are powered by supermassive black holes accreting matter and emitting tremendous amounts of energy.
4. Observations of stars orbiting close to the galactic center provide evidence for the existence and mass of supermassive black holes.
5. The growth and evolution of supermassive black holes are closely linked to the development and behavior of their host galaxies.

Review Questions

• What is the primary distinguishing feature of a supermassive black hole compared to smaller black holes?
• How do quasars relate to supermassive black holes?
• What method is commonly used to infer the presence and mass of a supermassive black hole in a galaxy?

Related terms

Event Horizon:

The boundary surrounding a black hole beyond which no light or other radiation can escape.

Quasar:

A highly luminous active galactic nucleus powered by accretion onto a supermassive black hole.

Accretion Disk:

A rotating disk of gas and dust falling into a central massive object, such as a supermassive black hole, often emitting significant radiation in the process.