Unseen objects in our galaxy have been found by the bending effect they have on more distant stars' light passing near them. These small objects that don't emit light are calculated to have masses of about 10* the mass of the sun. Which is the best choice for these objects?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The fact that these objects are small, do not emit light, and have a mass of 10 times or more the mass of our sun points towards them being black holes. Black holes are known for bending the light of more distant stars, and their existence can only be inferred from their gravitational effects on nearby matter. Neutron stars, white dwarfs, and main-sequence stars all emit light, and their masses are generally much lower than 10 times the mass of the sun.

Unseen Objects in Our Galaxy Have Been Found by the Bending