Stars, like any living organism, are full of secrets yet to be revealed. Undergoing different stages of their life, stars continue to illuminate the darkest sky of the universe. The fact that stars are illuminating brightly against a backdrop of the vast ocean of terrestrial bodies is actually a testimony of two opposing yet contradictory forces fighting for supremacy that will determine the progression of the life cycle of the stars.
Within the stars itself, the fact that they could illuminate in such a majestic manner is due to the fusion process within the core. Deep into the stars, hydrogen nuclei fused into helium nuclei accompanied by extreme burst of energy which explains why stars are bright celestial bodies at night. The outward force is also directly linked to the nuclear fusion within the core. Unknown to many, however is the existence of the force of gravity, acting directly inwards towards the core. The stars remain serene in nature, while these two forces battled with each other for supremacy in a world little understood by many more.
In due time, the nuclear fuel would diminished drastically and gravity, the great master of many things, will reign supreme and revealed its triumphant nature by pulling the star inward, in what is generally known as a gravitational collapse. The gravitational collapse will result in a supernova, the explosion of the star, a signature of its departure from the universe in a great fanfare.
If a star is of a certain appreciable mass, the gravitational collapse will result in a black hole. Black hole is a faceless entity, reigned supreme by its great gravitational force that prevents even light from escaping or bouncing from it. Without light being able to bounce off after entering the black hole, the black hole is pitched dark from the naked eye. What goes deep inside the black hole in a place called singularity is still anyone’s guess as all present laws of physics break down.
Will you emerge into another universe? Or one with many more dimensions that ours? Nobody knows. It’s still too early to tell. That’s why it’s so fascinating. As you are stepping into the unknown where there are no present rules, It’s a remarkable journey as you can only expect the unexpected.
Detecting a black hole is even more of a rigorous activity. How could you detect something that could not be seen? Pitch black and camouflaged by the vastness of the universe. Yet the greatest phenomenon in the world, though invisible through the naked eye and telescope, usually leaves tell tale signs of its existence in many different forms.
All objects within the vicinity of the black hole will experience the extreme gravitational pull of the black hole. As the objects spiral towards the reach of the black hole in the greatest possible speed, collisions between them will somehow in a way emit the necessary radiation that is detectable via specially designed telescopes. The dance of these objects will generate the illuminated disk that is always a breathtaking sight. It is as if these objects are sharing the tales of theirs final adventure by illuminating us with the greatest possible spectacle before spiraling into oblivion.
Once the objects’ trajectory goes beyond the event horizon, it’s the point of no return. Anything that surpass this invisible ring of destruction, it’s descend towards oblivion is guaranteed. Yet we will never be able to witness this astounding event. Gravitational pull is so strong inside a black hole that time cease its motion completely. Time literally stops. So you will never witness what is meant to be seen.
Maybe that’s why black holes remain an enigma.
Time finally reach a standstill.
Oblivious of everything else.
An abyss of nothingness.
A singularity.