Large Number of Planets Could Orbit Around Supermassive Black Holes
Supermassive black holes remain some of the most awe-inspiring objects in our galaxy, and researchers continue to observe them in an attempt to learn valuable information.
The event horizon, an area that surrounds the black hole, is a savage place were massive forces clash in an attempt to assert dominance. At a relatively short distance beyond this area, the gravitation influence of the supermassive black hole can attract nearby stars, a phenomenon that is visible in the case of the supermassive galaxy situated in the core of the Milky Way.
A new paper argues that hundreds of planet could orbit supermassive black holes due to the powerful gravitational pull exerted by the object. However, they can be found in safe areas situated at tens of light-years away from the lethal radiation emitted by the supermassive black holes.
A large number of planets could orbit around supermassive black holes
A team of researchers created several planetary formation models that offered valuable information about a new class of planets that can form and evolve around a black hole. These planets are quite interesting since they are not exposed to the limitations imposed by the presence of a nearby star.
It is estimated that thousands of planets with a mass that is ten times bigger than that of our planet could form at a distance of approximately ten light-years from a black hole. Large-scale planetary systems could be encountered, offering a wealth of interesting objects that can be studied.
Black holes and stars tend to be surrounded by a large accretion disk filled with dust and cosmic gas. In the case of black holes, the disk will contain a considerably higher amount of dust. Young planets, which are known as planetesimals will take harness the dust and evolve into massive planets. The same layer of dust will contribute to the appearance of a cooler area that also facilitates planet formation. A paper was published in a scientific journal.
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