Can We See Black Holes?

Tumble Science Podcast for Kids

Tumble Media

Kids & Family, Education For Kids

4.3 • 2.6K Ratings

🗓️ 29 March 2024

⏱️ 19 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Why can’t we see black holes? Can we see black holes with a telescope? That’s what Tumble listener James wants to know. We explore the science of supermassive black holes and gravitational waves, with the help of astronomer Maura McLaughlin. Find out how the LIGO telescope is aiding in the search for supermassive black holes on an intergalactic collision course! ANNOUNCEMENT: Tumble en Español, the Spanish adaptation of Tumble, is back for Season 3! Listen here: https://www.sciencepodcastforkids.com/tumble-en-espanol Learn more about black holes and gravitational waves on the science podcast for kids blog on our website, sciencepodcastforkids.com Listen to Maura talk about the science of pulsar stars - the key to finding gravitational waves and black holes - in our bonus interview episode, available when you support us on Patreon for just $1 or more a month on Patreon.com/tumblepodcast.

Transcript

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0:00.0	Hi, I'm Lindsay.
0:03.6	And I'm Marshall.
0:04.4	Welcome to Tumble, the show where we explore stories of science discovery.
0:08.1	Today we're asking, can we see black holes?
0:12.4	I can't see one right now.
0:14.5	I'll be worried if you could.
0:17.1	Black holes are one of the most mysterious types of objects in space,
0:22.4	but we're about to find out how astronomers are searching for
0:25.6	supermassive black holes on an epic intergalactic quest.
0:39.0	Today's question comes from our listener, James. Hi, my name is James, and I'm nine years years old and I'm asking a question.
0:44.0	Why can't we see black holes? Can't we see black holes with a strong telescope?
0:49.1	That's such a good question. I imagine it would have to do with them being black.
0:53.0	James has an idea about why black holes might be so hard to see.
1:00.0	Space is black and black holes are black and also can't black holes suck up anything
1:07.0	Well, I think they can suck up light from a star so that is my guess.
1:13.6	You see, James and I are on a wavelength here.
1:18.2	Here's how James thinks scientists
1:20.5	could solve the problem of detecting black holes.
1:24.0	I think scientists could look at stars.
1:27.0	If the light is getting sucked in, that might mean there's a black hole nearby.
1:33.0	That is what scientists could do.
1:35.0	Wow, I...
	...

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