SUPERMASSIVE black holes are such a huge force in the universe that you'd think they'd be easy to spot from a distance.<\/p>\n
However, an image released by Nasa proves this is not the case as the black hole in the photo below can be hard to pinpoint.<\/p>\n
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The black hole in this image is within the bright elliptical galaxy called Messier 87 (M87).<\/p>\n
If you look really closely to the upper left-hand side of the picture you should be able to spot jets of brightness sprouting from the centre of a cloud-like glow.<\/p>\n
These jet-like strands are gas and dust particles being pulled into the black hole, which give off heat during the process and can be captured by an infrared camera.<\/p>\n
Earlier this year, a close up image of this black hole was captured by the Event Horizon Telescope for the first time ever.<\/p>\n
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The infrared image above was taken by the Spitzer Space telescope, which was focusing on M87 with its bright blue hues.<\/p>\n
The jets of light sprouting from it are thought to spread for thousands of light-years.<\/p>\n
Nasa annotated the image so it was easier for people to imagine the black hole in context.<\/p>\n
The black hole, described by scientists as a \"monster\", is 24billion miles across - 3million times the size of the Earth.<\/p>\n
Sitting about 300 million trillion miles away from our planet, it was photographed up close by a network of eight telescopes across the globe known as the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT).<\/p>\n
When used together, the telescopes combine with the power of a single telescope \"the size of our planet\", scientists said.<\/p>\n
The black hole is so far away, that taking the up close photo of it was equivalent to snapping a DVD on the surface of the moon.<\/p>\n
Black holes are technically invisible because no light escapes from them but in certain circumstances, like in a bright galaxy, an outline of a black hole and the light it's swallowing can be seen.<\/p>\n
What is a black hole? The key facts<\/p>\n
Here's what you need to know...<\/p>\n
What is a black hole?<\/p>\n
What is an event horizon?<\/p>\n
What is a singularity?<\/p>\n
How are black holes created?<\/p>\n
In other space news, a cannibalistic nearby galaxy has devoured several of its neighbours and scientists think our Milky Way is next.<\/p>\n
Aplanet so massive it should not existhas been found by baffled astronomers in a nearby star system.<\/p>\n
SKY LIGHT How to spot the Draconids meteor shower in the UK tonight <\/p>\n
PORKING 'ELL Newly discovered 'mould pigs' are the ancient species baffling scientists <\/p>\n
CURSE WORDS Ancient tablet deciphered to reveal 1,500-year-old 'demon curse' to hurt rivals <\/p>\n
DEATH OF THE DINOS How asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs devastated Earth <\/p>\n
ASH-MAZING Stunning photo of 2,300-foot volcano erupting taken from space by ISS astronaut <\/p>\n
BURIED TERROR Mystery ancient remains of 'frightened' child with 'crushed skull' found <\/p>\n
And, distant planets may host even more life than we have here on Earth,according to one shock study.<\/p>\n
Did you spot the black hole? Let us know in the comments!<\/p>\n
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online Tech & Science team? Email us at tech@the-sun.co.uk<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Follow this link: <\/p>\n Theres an enormous black hole lurking in this Nasa photo can you find it? - The Sun<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" SUPERMASSIVE black holes are such a huge force in the universe that you'd think they'd be easy to spot from a distance. However, an image released by Nasa proves this is not the case as the black hole in the photo below can be hard to pinpoint. Continue reading