Black Holes Can Orbit Each Other in Binary Systems

Gravitational dance.

Binary black holes orbit a common center of mass, gradually spiraling inward due to gravitational wave emission until merging. These systems are prime targets for LIGO and Virgo.

Why This Matters

It matters because they provide direct tests of general relativity.

It also allows measurement of black hole masses and spins.

Did You Know?

Two black holes can orbit each other like a deadly cosmic waltz.

Source

[LIGO, ligo.org]

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