ALMA catches black holes feeding on gas clouds
Q. The first evidence to support the theory that black holes feed on clouds of cold gas comes from ALMA. What does ALMA stand for?- Published on 10 Jun 16a. Atacama Large Millimetre/Submillimetre Array
b. Atacama Large Moving Array
c. Atacama Large Movement Array
d. Atacama Large Measure Array
ANSWER: Atacama Large Millimetre/Submillimetre Array
Marking the first direct evidence to support the theory that black holes feed on clouds of cold gas, astronomers have detected billowy clouds of cold, clumpy has streaming into the huge black hole at speeds greater than 80,00 miles per hour
- Using one of the most powerful telescopes in the world- the Atacama Large Millimeter/Submilliter Array or ALMA, team found the feeding process to be chaotic and clumpy, as against a smooth, clean and simple process
- Nature provides a clear view of the complicated process permitting us to understand supermassive black holes in ways never seen before
- Data provides a snapshot of what is happening around the black hole at one precise time so black hole has an even bigger appetite and is devouring more of the cold clouds of gas surrounding it
- Previous models have indicated gradual growth of large black holes(process called accretion) happens when the surrounding hot gas accumulates smoothly onto the black hole, in a manner similar to a slow graze.
