Black holes and coffee - Scientists & Engineers on Sofas (and other furnishings)

Ivy Kupec from the National Science Foundation talks with Dan Evans, an astronomer from the Smithsonian Institution, about black holes. They discuss what black holes are, how they emit X-ray flares, and their formation. The conversation covers the merging of black holes, their abundance in the universe, and the simplicity and complexity of these cosmic phenomena. Dan shares insights into his research on black hole spin and jets, and the future of black hole imaging with the Event Horizon Telescope.

Why are black holes considered to be remarkably simple objects?

What challenges do scientists face in understanding black holes?

What is the Event Horizon Telescope and what is its purpose?