BLACK HOLE UNIVERSE

Multiwavelength Studies of Galactic Black Holes

 Partecipanti

Mappa

 Word cloud

Esplora la "nuvola delle parole (Word Cloud) per avere un'idea di massima del progetto.

 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'Black holes are some of the most exotic astronomical objects in the universe, and are accordingly the focus of much speculation and study. By definition invisible, they are only detectable when interacting with their environment, either by bending surrounding light or gravitationally capturing enough matter to power other processes whose radiation we can detect. Depending on the spin of the black hole (BH), its mass-to-energy conversion efficiency can be over 50 times higher than that of nuclear fusion. The gravitational energy liberated via this accretion process powers many phenomena around BHs and significantly impacts the surrounding regions. Because many of these phenomena involve complicated geometries, high-energy electromagnetic fields and strong gravity, they are still not well understood. By observing and modeling the radiation originating from the more extreme regions of BHs and their associated structures in our Galaxy, the planned ITN network intends to reconstruct a more complete picture of the complex physics involved in the accretion process through observations from the radio band to the X-rays and through theoretical work. Training on these subjects will be provided through summer schools on multi-wavelength astronomical techniques and on black hole astrophysics and through dedicated PhD projects.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

A training network has been established to reveal some of the hidden aspects of black holes and the impact they have on their environment. The project's outcome was a new generation of scientists promoting Europe's standing in this area of astrophysics at global level.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Black holes are generally formed after a star dies in a gigantic explosion known as supernova, which crushes the remaining core into dense lumps. A maddening enigma called a singularity (a region of infinite density) lies at the heart of each black hole, according to general relativity.

Scientists have long sought ways to avoid the complete breakdown of all known laws of physics brought on by singularities. Backed by the EU funding, the 'Multiwavelength studies of galactic black holes' Initial Training Network (http://www.black-hole.eu/ (BLACK HOLE UNIVERSE ITN)) has introduced a new paradigm in black hole research. Seven leading research institutions across Europe joined their efforts to address major questions still unresolved.

One of the primary goals of the BLACK HOLE UNIVERSE was to complete this picture of black holes at the heart of galaxies. Ten early stage researchers and two experienced researchers were hired to study the black hole radiation received. Because black holes radiate across the entire electromagnetic spectrum, they were trained in the use of space- and ground-based instruments and different data analysis methods.

During the four years of the ITN's operation, researchers applied the most sophisticated jet models available to the spectra of radiation emitted from black holes. Furthermore, the most precise model showing how the accretion flow influences the time lag observed between soft and hard X-ray bands was developed. In the hard X-rays emissions, similarities were found between neutron stars and black holes members of a binary system.

Training efforts also helped some 200 participants of two summer schools on multi-wavelength astronomy and a workshop on black hole astrophysics to fulfil market demands. They acquired skills necessary for careers in space technology, an area crucial for Europe's technological leadership which faces severe shortage of experts. The BLACK HOLE UNIVERSE ITN was a successful in addressing Europe's skills challenges through collaboration.