Detecting the 'Heartbeat' of Smallest Black Hole Candidate

An international team of astronomers has identified a candidate for the smallest-known black hole using data from NASA's Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer (RXTE). The evidence comes from a specific type of X-ray pattern, nicknamed a "heartbeat" because of its resemblance to an electrocardiogram. (Credit: Image courtesy of NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center)

ScienceDaily (Dec. 15, 2011) — An international team of astronomers has identified a candidate for the smallest-known black hole using data from NASA's Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer (RXTE). The evidence comes from a specific type of X-ray pattern, nicknamed a "heartbeat" because of its resemblance to an electrocardiogram. The pattern until now has been recorded in only one other black hole system.

MORE: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111215232722.htm

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