Messier 87: 'Selfie' of Our Galaxy’s Black Hole Marks New Era in Space Science
Ask Students: Who are the Event Horizon Telescope photographers involved in exploring our galaxy’s black hole? What does this mean for future exploration of our galaxy?
Summary
For decades scientists have believed there is a black hole at the center of our Milky Way galaxy. For the first time this week, they released an astonishing image of it, about 27,000 light years away from Earth. An international collaboration of scientists and telescopes made the discovery. Black holes were theorized by Albert Einstein in his Theory of Relativity in 1916, now slightly over a century later, we have photographs of one in our own galaxy. Miles O’Brien explores some of the mysteries surrounding the black hole.
Discussion Questions
- Who are the Event Horizon Telescope photographers involved in exploring our galaxy’s black hole?
- What does this mean for future exploration of our galaxy?
- Where and When will the next black hole be photographed or even video recorded?
- Why is this so significant to scientists?
- How might this affect the future of black hole research?
Media Literacy
In the segment, Judy Woodruff said, “And for the scientists, Miles, what makes this so important, so fascinating to them? I mean, do we worry about Earth getting sucked into this black hole? No, we’re in a safe neighborhood. Don’t worry about that one,” responded O’Brien. That question was likely on a lot of people’s minds! What questions do you have for O’Brien–no matter how far out (in space) they might be?
Reflection
What do you think should be the next step for space scientists after this discovery?
Republished with permission from PBS NewsHour Extra.
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