Properties of Black Holes:

The gravitational force around a black hole is so intense that it warps space-time itself. This
phenomenon is described by Albert Einstein’s theory of general relativity. Time dilation near a black hole
causes time to pass more slowly, and extreme gravitational forces distort the path of light, creating
gravitational lensing—a phenomenon often used by astronomers to study distant galaxies.

Event Horizon Telescope and the First Image:

In April 2019, the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) collaboration made headlines by releasing the
first-ever image of a black hole. Located in the center of the galaxy M87, the black hole’s shadow against
the bright, hot gas swirling around it was captured in unprecedented detail. This monumental achievement
marked a significant leap forward in our understanding of black holes and provided visual confirmation of
these elusive entities.

Hawking Radiation and Black Hole Thermodynamics:

While black holes are notorious for their voracious appetite, they are not entirely invincible. In
the 1970s, physicist Stephen Hawking proposed the existence of Hawking radiation, a theoretical process
through which black holes can gradually lose mass and energy over time. This phenomenon suggests that
black holes are not eternal, challenging the once-held belief that nothing could escape their gravitational
grip.