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What Happens When Black Holes Collide?

March 3, 2024 | by Bloom Code Studio

People are fascinated by black holes and their actions in the universe. Until very recently, it’s been tough for scientists to measure what happens when black holes collide. Certainly, it’s a very energetic event and would give off a lot of radiation. However, another cool thing happens: the collision creates gravitational waves and those can be measured! Those waves are also created when neutron stars collide!

black holes colliding to create gravitational waves
 When two supermassive black holes collide and merge, some of the excess energy from the event is broadcast as gravitational waves. These can be detected on Earth using very delicate instruments at the LIGO observatory. The SXS (Simulating eXtreme Spacetimes) Project

There are many more questions that astronomy and space spur in people’s minds. The universe is a big place to explore, and as we learn more about it, the questions will continue to flow!

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