Which of these techniques has been successful in identifying good candidates for a black hole in the Milky Way Galaxy?
A) detection of extremely redshifted starlight from a region in the nearby spiral arm of the Galaxy
B) detection of X-rays from a binary star undergoing mass exchange, where masses of component stars can be determined
C) detection of an extremely dark point in the sky from which no light at all is seen
D) gravitational lensing of light from a distant object by the black hole to produce two identical images

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

B) The detection of X-rays from a binary star system, where one star is transferring mass to its companion, is a method that has been successful in identifying black hole candidates. This process often involves a black hole accreting matter from a companion star, which releases a significant amount of X-rays. By studying these systems and measuring the masses of the components, astronomers can identify when one of the objects has a mass that is consistent with that of a black hole.

Which of These Techniques Has Been Successful in Identifying Good