How do we know black holes exist if we can't see them?
Although scientists can't directly see or analyze black holes with technologically advanced telescopes, they can assume the approximate location of a black hole by examining the reaction of matter around it (Smith). For example, if a black hole were to pass through a cloud of dust and gas, it would absorb this matter during accretion. "A similar process can occur if a normal star passes close to a black hole"(Netting). As the black hole pulls in the star, it can tear the star apart. The star's matter heats up because it is accelerating, and lets out x-rays into space, which can then be detected by scientists back on Earth and seen through a telescope.
"Artist’s conception of the event horizon of a
black hole.Credit: Victor de Schwanberg/
Science Photo Library"(Visit Site).
black hole.Credit: Victor de Schwanberg/
Science Photo Library"(Visit Site).