NASA's Field Guide to Black Holes

  • Released Monday, April 12, 2021
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Thinking about doing some black hole watching the next time you’re on an intergalactic vacation, but you’re not quite sure where to start? Well, look no further!



This series of videos shows you everything you need to know. With topics ranging from basic black holes, to fancy black holes, to giant black holes and their companions, you’ll be more than ready for your next adventure.



In addition to the videos, you can also download a printable guide that has even more information.



Note: While these videos can be shared in their entirety without permission, their music has been licensed and may not be excised or remixed in other products.

Episode 1 - Basic Black Holes

If you’re looking to find some black holes, it’s always helpful to know exactly what you’re looking for! To get started on your black hole hunt, first watch this handy video to learn the basics about these strange cosmic objects.

Credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center

Music: "Perfect Little Monsters" from Universal Production Music

Watch this video on the NASA Goddard YouTube channel.

Complete transcript available.

Episode 2 - Fancy Black Holes

Once you’ve gotten the hang of basic black holes, you might want to search for some fancier ones. That’s great! But, before you do, refer to this convenient chapter to learn just how fancy some black holes can be.

Credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center

Music: "Oh Really" from Universal Production Music

Complete transcript available.

Episode 3 - Social Black Holes

Watching black holes by themselves is fun, but what about ones that like being more social? Some black holes really LOVE to dance with other objects in the universe. Learn more about them by watching this helpful video!

Credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center

Music: "Tango Seduction" from Universal Production Music

Complete transcript available.

Episode 4 - Social Supermassive Black Holes

It’s not just smaller black holes that have all the fun – really, really massive black holes also enjoy being the center of attention! Watch this chapter to learn more about these giant black holes and all their companions!

Credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center

Music: "Cutesy Forest" from Universal Production Music

Complete transcript available.

Episode 5 - Black Hole Records

Even though you’ve learned about basic black holes, and fancy black holes, and social black holes, and giant black holes, there are always stranger things out there! In this final chapter, you can learn about some of the rarest black holes – biggest, smallest, farthest, strangest, and more!

Credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center

Music: "Playground Intrigue" from Universal Production Music

Complete transcript available.

A Field Guide to Black Holes BookletThis handy dandy field guide covers basic black hole anatomy, how to find black holes, as well as different black hole types! Never go to space without it! Download the booklet using the links below.Download a printable version here. (When printing double-sided, be sure to flip on the short edge!)Download a web version here.Credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center

A Field Guide to Black Holes Booklet

This handy dandy field guide covers basic black hole anatomy, how to find black holes, as well as different black hole types! Never go to space without it! Download the booklet using the links below.

Download a printable version here. (When printing double-sided, be sure to flip on the short edge!)

Download a web version here.

Credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center

Credits

Please give credit for this item to:
NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center

This page was originally published on Monday, April 12, 2021.
This page was last updated on Wednesday, May 3, 2023 at 1:44 PM EDT.

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