Subscribe now

Space

Why trying to photograph a black hole was a massive gamble

Astronomers working on the Event Horizon Telescope project didn't know if their attempt to photograph a black hole would pay off, Luciano Rezzolla tells New Scientist Live

By Alex Wilkins

7 October 2023

The image of the black hole in the M87 galaxy produced in 2019

Event Horizon Telescope Collaboration

The iconic first image of a black hole, released in 2019, might never have happened if not for a stroke of luck, according to one of the astronomers who helped create the image.

Speaking at New Scientist Live in London, Luciano Rezzolla at Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany, who is on the executive committee of the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) that created the image, revealed that the researchers didn’t know if their efforts would pay off until after …

To continue reading, subscribe today with our introductory offers

View introductory offers

No commitment, cancel anytime*

Offer ends 28th October 2023.

*Cancel anytime within 14 days of payment to receive a refund on unserved issues.

Inclusive of applicable taxes (VAT)

or

Existing subscribers

Sign in to your account