Using Black holes to view our solar system

In summary, the conversation discusses the possibility of viewing an image of our solar system from thousands of years ago by looking at light near the event horizon of a black hole. However, due to the distortion and incoherence of the received light, it is unlikely that any significant insights could be gained even with a theoretically massive telescope.
  • #1
elegysix
406
15
Has anyone figured out or tried this:
It seems to me that since light is bent by G fields, that looking close enough to the side of a black hole, some of that light near the event horizon may have escaped its G field after its trajectory has changed significantly... possibly redirected enough so that it returns in our general direction.

Would viewing this be an image of our solar system thousands of years ago? With enough resolution we could see what was happening around Earth at that time.
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
  • #2
In principle I believe that this could happen, however even if we had a theoretically massive telescope able to look at something that small, the light received would most likely be far too distorted and incoherent to gain any sort of insight.
 

Related to Using Black holes to view our solar system

1. How can we use black holes to view our solar system?

Black holes have incredibly strong gravitational pulls that can bend light and other electromagnetic radiation. This means that we can use black holes as a natural lens to magnify and view objects behind it, including our solar system.

2. Can we see the planets in our solar system using black holes?

Yes, with the help of a black hole's gravitational lensing, we can see the planets in our solar system in great detail. The closer the planet is to the black hole, the stronger the lensing effect will be, providing us with a clearer view.

3. How far away does a black hole need to be for us to use it as a lens?

The distance between the black hole and the object we want to view will determine the strength of the lensing effect. Generally, the closer the black hole is to the object, the stronger the lensing effect will be. However, black holes can be located at various distances and still provide a useful lens.

4. Are there any risks involved in using black holes to view our solar system?

While black holes may seem dangerous, they are actually relatively safe for viewing purposes. As long as we are not too close to the event horizon, we will not experience any harmful effects from the black hole's gravitational pull.

5. Can we use black holes to view other galaxies as well?

Yes, black holes can be used to view objects in other galaxies as well. In fact, scientists have already used black holes to view distant galaxies and gather information about their structures, composition, and evolution.

Similar threads

I Would it be possible for a black hole to have a "solar system"?
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
4
Views
1K
B Ultramassive Black Hole (UMB), 30 billion solar masses?
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
4
Views
1K
B How black hole Sgr-A* Was Found
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
1
Views
583
B AI Enhanced image of M87 black hole
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
2
Views
1K
B So, a black hole and an antimatter star bump into each other....
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
5
Views
1K
B Is it possible for a giant star to have a black hole inside it?
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
11
Views
2K
I Information loss in black hole, why is it a problem?
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
10
Views
1K
B Could a Black Hole Cause a Sunrise in the West?
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
34
Views
5K
I Evidence for existence of a 9th Planet in the solar system
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
15
Views
1K
I Do Black Holes Exist? | Physics & Stephen Hawking
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
4
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top