Black Hole Caught Red-Handed in a Stellar Homicide [hd video]

[tabatha]

NASA image release May 2, 2012

This computer-simulated image shows gas from a tidally shredded star falling into a black hole. Some of the gas also is being ejected at high speeds into space. Astronomers observed a flare in ultraviolet and optical light from the gas falling into the black hole and glowing helium from the stars's helium-rich gas expelled from the system.

Credit: NASA; S. Gezari, The Johns Hopkins University; and J. Guillochon, University of California, Santa Cruz

To read more go to: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/hubble/science/star-shredding.html

NASA image use policy.

NASA Goddard Space Flight Center enables NASA’s mission through four scientific endeavors: Earth Science, Heliophysics, Solar System Exploration, and Astrophysics. Goddard plays a leading role in NASA’s accomplishments by contributing compelling scientific knowledge to advance the Agency’s mission.



VIDEO here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gsfc/6990040586/

[laconicsax]

1. The video is also at the NASA page.

[tabatha]

2. Yes, the link in the post goes to the NASA website.