PhysOrg: Scientists observe how black holes eat matter

[bystander]

Scientists observe how black holes eat matter
PhysOrg - 11 June 2010
University of Melbourne

For the first time, scientists have been able to observe matter falling into super massive black holes.
...
Material in the immediate vicinity of a black hole undergoes extreme compression and superheating. The result is a quasar, which emits so much energy as visible light, that it can outshine the galaxy in which it is located by many thousands of times.
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The research makes use of a technique known as gravitational microlensing, where the light from a quasar passes near or through another galaxy on its way to earth. The intervening galaxy acts like a lens, enlarging and splitting the image of the quasar into several components, each of which can be analysed.

[neufer]

______ The Pledge Drive

Elaine: Hey, you wanna hear something weird? Mr. Pitt
eats his Snickers bars with a knife and fork.

George: Really?

Elaine: Yeah.

Jerry: Why does he do that?

George: He probably doesn't want to get chocolate on his fingers.
That's the way these society types eat their candy bars.
...............................................................
Waitress (at the next table): Here's your knife and fork.

Jerry: Look, she's cutting up an Almond Joy.

Elaine: I just don't get it.

Jerry: You know, I saw someone on the street eating M&Ms with a spoon.

Elaine: What is wrong with everybody?

Jerry (surveying the restaurant): Look, they're doing it. They're all doing it!

Elaine (standing up): What is wrong with all you people?! Have you all gone mad?!!