27. Superfast Spinning Black Hole Tearing Up Space at Nearly the Speed of Light

http://www.slate.com/blogs/bad_astronomy/2013/02/27/spinning_black_hole_scientists_measure_supermassive_black_hole_rotating.html

Phil Plait presents an article, "Superfast Spinning Black Hole Tearing Up Space at Nearly the Speed of Light," to introduce an astrological discovery of NuSTAR astronomers through the observation of the huge black hole in the NGC 1365 galaxy, that detailed x-rays observations are possible and they can take close looks at black holes to examine previously impossible details. To introduce his thesis, Plait first begins with a brief explanation of black holes, stating that they are "the Universe's ultimate garbage disposals." Because it is a science article, Plait has to provide brief explanations of each major elements and process of the findings to get to his point. He clearly accomplishes this by selectively presenting the factors that contribute to the general understanding of his thesis. Plait basically states that black holes are highly-concentrated massive objects with an escape velocity faster than light. They have electric charges and the more mass a black hole has, the bigger it becomes, with a stronger gravity. Plait explains the increase of a black hole's spin rate as the size decreases with an analogy to a figure skater opening and closing the arms while spinning. Also, If a material fell into the black hole in an angle, it can add to an increase in the spin of the black hole, thus allowing a black hole to get larger and faster (in spin) as it gets older. Throughout the article, Plait constantly provides way for the reader to gain better understanding of the topic with links to his previous articles as well as other relevant sources.

Plait keeps a light, easy tone throughout the essay, without using difficult professional diction, otherwise providing explanations for it. Accordingly, Plait's audience consists of the general public with basic education and information on the subject. Plait's purpose is to share about the advancing of today's astrological science and its discoveries, specifically to inform the people about the great potential of our development through the new findings about black holes.