When observing phenomena around a supermassive black hole, particularly one at the center of a galaxy, two intriguing events might be taking place. The first is known as a tidal disruption event (TDE), which occurs when a star comes too close to a black hole and is torn apart by the black hole’s immense gravitational forces. This ripping of the star generates a bright flare of radiation as the debris spirals and heats up before crossing the event horizon, making it distinguishable by powerful telescopes observing the cosmos.
Alternatively, what might be perceived as an extraordinary event could merely be the black hole consuming material from its accretion disk in its normal course. Black holes often have swirling disks of gas and dust that slowly spiral inwards, feeding the black hole over time. These accretion processes are a routine part of a black hole’s existence, and although they also emit radiation, it generally occurs at a more steady and continuous rate compared to the sudden and dramatic flares produced by tidal disruption events.
Distinguishing between these two scenarios requires careful observation and analysis. Astronomers use a range of methods, including monitoring the brightness and spectral characteristics of the emissions, to determine whether the radiation is from a singular, catastrophic event like a TDE or from ongoing accretion. Each event provides valuable insights into the behavior and characteristics of supermassive black holes, enhancing our understanding of these enigmatic objects at the centers of galaxies.