Astronomers snap black hole murder in graphic detail (video)
![](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/EWTihsA8o.AyBDKfOJYZZQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTYxOA--/https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/si3zFA7HXkukuVVXegfiBw--~B/aD0zMjI7dz01MDA7YXBwaWQ9eXRhY2h5b24-/https://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2011/05/nasa-1305997474.jpg)
We tend to imagine a black hole sucking everything around it straight into oblivion. The truth, however, is even more gruesome. Astronomers have just captured an ultra hi-res image of our neighbouring galaxy, Centaurus A, and it helps to reveal what actually happens. Matter is yanked helplessly towards a black hole at the galaxy's core, but it refuses to die quietly. For some unknown reason, it erupts as it falls, spewing out vast plumes of particles -- like blood from celestial murder. These death throes emit radio waves, allowing us to witness them using radio telescopes even though we are 12 million light-years away. If only we were closer; if only we could intervene. Alas, all we can do is watch the video after the break and hit the source links for a fuller explanation -- though, admittedly, none of those sound like awful options.