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Unusual satellite data: A black hole?Data obtained by the NASA-launched European Space Agency's International Ultraviolet Explorer satellite suggests the possibility of a massive black hole at the center of some globular clusters (star groups) in our galaxy. Six of these clusters, three of them X-ray sources, were closely examined. Onboard short wavelength UV instrumentation penetrated the background denseness of the clusters 15,000 light years away where radiation, probably from a group of 10 to 20 bright blue stars orbiting the core, was observed. The stars may well be orbiting a massive black hole the size of 1,000 solar systems. The existence of the black hole is uncertain. The dynamics of the stars must be studied first to determine how they rotate in relation to the center of the million-star cluster. This may better indicate what provides the necessary gravitational pull that holds them in orbit.
Document ID
19780021057
Acquisition Source
Headquarters
Document Type
Other - News Release/Speech
Date Acquired
September 3, 2013
Publication Date
August 8, 1978
Subject Category
Astronomy
Report/Patent Number
NASA-NEWS-RELEASE-78-122
P78-10124
Accession Number
78N29000
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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