Scientists have been fascinated by black holes, one of the universe’s most enigmatic things, since the early twentieth century, culminating in the breakthrough 2019 publication of the first-ever photograph of a supermassive black hole at the core of galaxy M87, according to Snopes.
However, prior to this discovery, the search to visualize black holes began in 1979, when French cosmologist Jean-Pierre Luminet used gravity equations to approximate their appearance.
A machine-learning technique was used to sharpen the Event Horizon Telescope Collaborations’ image of the supermassive black hole in the center of the galaxy Messier 87. —NOIRLab
The Event Horizon Telescope Collaboration’s image of the supermassive black hole at the center of the galaxy Messier 87 was enhanced using a machine learning technique.
Albert Einstein’s theory of special relativity, published in 1905, established the framework for comprehending the link between space and time. His later theory of general relativity, which was refined over the next decade, defined gravity as the bending of spacetime induced by heavy objects, eventually predicting the creation of black holes.
Luminet’s pioneering study required complex simulations to demonstrate the effect of gravity on light near a black hole. Contrary to popular belief, his simulation showed a little ring of light surrounding a gloomy core.
Luminet created a generated image using a computer from the 1970s, implying that it may resemble the supermassive black hole in M87.
In 2017, Harvard astronomer Shep Doeleman spearheaded a huge project that used telescopes all around the world to investigate M87’s surroundings.
