♪ So far, we've learned a lot about smaller black holes, but why let them have all the fun?
Larger ... well, MUCH larger black holes can be just as social, but their situation is ... a little bit different.
If we take a closer look, we can see that some of these black holes really LOVE being the center of attention.
Because they're so massive, they can gather up not just a bunch of gas and dust, but also, well, friends!
In fact, they can pull in a LOT of company, including stars, neutron stars, and even smaller black holes!
You'll often find these social gatherings in the centers of galaxies,
where some of the black holes even launch giant, powerful jets into space, just like their smaller cousins.
Now, what about the black hole's friends? Well, if they’re far away, many of them are content to simply zoom around in a long, lazy dance.
However, as some get closer, things can get … a little weird.
For example, if some stars get too close, they can potentially get completely pulled apart!
In other cases, if the friend is a neutron star or another black hole, and IF it somehow gets REALLY close,
it can get sent off on a bizarre-looking dance around the black hole …
and eventually crash into (and merge with) its big companion.
Of course, these are just a few examples, and depending on the size of the friends … and the black hole,
things might actually, uh … be … erm …
Ah, friendship! So complicated.
Anyway, if you're looking for a fun night out with lots of company, grab your telescopes and look no further than these giant black holes.
♪
[silence]