Does every galaxy have a massive black hole in the centre?
To date, only one supermassive black hole has been observed directly, deep in the core of the galaxy Messier 87. But astronomers believe that most galaxies, with the exception of very small ones, have similar black holes lurking at their centres. The evidence for this is indirect, but compelling. For example, stars and gas whiz around galaxies at such high speeds it’s clear they are in orbit around a very small, extremely massive object. AM
MEET THE EXPERTS
EXPERTS Who’s answering your questions this month?
Jo Elphick
History and forensic science
Andy Extance
Chemistry, tech and science
Andrew May
Space, transport and science
Lauren Eyles
Animals, the environment and science
Did you know?
M87’s black hole has the mass of 6.5 billion Suns
WHY ARE ‘CAT YEARS’ SO MANY HUMAN YEARS?
Matt Hansel
Humans live much longer
