The search for black holes involves searching for

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Black holes are often identified by their influence on nearby objects, such as their gravitational pull on surrounding stars and gas. X-ray binaries are systems in which a normal star orbits a compact object, such as a black hole, that is pulling matter from the star. These can be detected by the intense X-ray emissions that result from the accretion process. Black holes in X-ray binaries are often identified by their mass, which is calculated by measuring the orbit of the normal star around the compact object. If the mass is in excess of 3 solar masses, it is likely that the compact object is a black hole. Therefore, searching for X-ray binaries with a companion star of known mass can lead to the discovery of black holes. Black holes cannot be directly observed, but their presence can be inferred by observing X-rays emitted from their accretion disks in binary systems where the compact companion has a mass greater than 3 solar masses. This is known as an X-ray binary with a black hole component.

The Search for Black Holes Involves Searching for