Science
How do black holes form?
A black hole forms when a massive star runs out of fuel and collapses under its own gravity. The matter is crushed into an incredibly dense point, creating gravity so strong that not even light can escape past its boundary, the event horizon.
See it in motion.
Watch a 2-minute animated lesson that shows exactly how black holes works.
Step by step
- 1They form when a giant star collapses at the end of its life.
- 2Matter is crushed into an extremely dense point.
- 3Gravity becomes so strong even light can't escape.
- 4The point of no return is called the event horizon.
Frequently asked questions
- How do black holes form?
- A massive star runs out of fuel and collapses, crushing its core into an object with inescapable gravity.
- What is the event horizon?
- The boundary around a black hole beyond which nothing, not even light, can escape.
- Can black holes be seen?
- Not directly, but we detect them by their gravity's effect on nearby matter and light.