Rogue black hole

High school (ages 12+)
Space & Astronomy

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/rogue-black-hole

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the primary observational technique?Gravitational microlensing, detecting temporary amplifications and distortions of background starlight
2. What is the related phenomena?Supernovae, gravitational scattering, galactic dynamics, dark matter candidates
3. How does a rogue black hole get the speed to leave its galaxy?It can get a big push from an uneven supernova explosion, giving it a fast kick. It can also be ejected by bumping into other stars in crowded places, like globular clusters.
4. How do scientists find a black hole that doesn't shine?They watch many stars for tiny brightening events. When a rogue black hole passes in front of a distant star, its gravity bends the light and makes the star look brighter for a short time.

Intergalactic Medium: The diffuse plasma and matter that exists in the space between galaxies.
Gravitational Microlensing: A phenomenon where the gravity of a foreground object bends and magnifies the light of a background source.
Baryonic Matter: The 'normal' matter in the universe composed of protons and neutrons, forming stars, planets, and gas.
Natal Kick: The impulse velocity imparted to a newly formed neutron star or black hole during an asymmetric supernova explosion.