What Is a Black Hole

A black hole is an astronomical body so compact that its gravity prevents anything, including light, from escaping. The study of black holes has been influenced by the work of notable physicists such as Stephen Hawking and Kip Thorne. Black holes can be found at the centers of galaxies, including our own Milky Way. The study of black holes has been aided by advanced technologies such as NASA's Hubble Space Telescope and Event Horizon Telescope.