Astrophysicists at the University of Southampton led by Sebastian Hoenig made a breaking discovery about black holes holes after studying The Eye of Sauron. The Eye of Sauron was so named because of its likeness to the master villain in “The Lord of The Rings” trilogy. This “eye” is caused by ultraviolet radiation emitted by the black hole. The radiation bounces off the gas and dust being sucked in, forcing it to give off infrared radiation so that there appears to be a rim of red that looks like an eye.

In order to view black holes, one must have a ratio of distance that is correct. When measuring distance in space accuracy is extremely important.  It is almost impossible to get an accurate reading that is consistent beyond a 40% range of difference. Sebastian Hoenig wanted to reach an accuracy of around 10%. After using the new method several times and combining all of the results, the ratio revealed an extremely accurate picture.

By combining the size of the dust  ring and the physical size of 30 light days, the distance of the black hole can be calculated with geometry. The previous calculation of distance was 13 to 95 million light-years. With the new method the distance was calculated to around 62 million light-years. It was also discovered that black holes are heavier and are 40% bigger than previously thought.

This will vastly improve astronomical equations and help gauge the distance between black holes and other objects in space.  We will be able to measure black holes more easily. We will be able to broaden and improve on our understanding of how space works.  Black holes are in the centers of galaxies and a better understanding of them could lead to answers about galaxies and even how old the universe is.