MIT Develops New Machine-Learning Algorithm Designed to Capture True Images of A Black Hole

A team of researchers led by MIT's Katie Bouman have developed a new computer algorithm that could help astronomers generate the first true image of a black hole. At present, astronomers rely of imaginative minds of artists to create a clear image of a black hole. Black holes are very compact and are very far away from Earth, making it harder for astronomers to create a high-quality photo. "Taking a picture of the black hole in the center of the Milky Way galaxy is equivalent to taking an image of a grapefruit on the moon, but with a radio telescope," Bouman explained in a press release. For years, researchers have been using radio wavelengths to detect and explore distant objects due to the ability of radio frequencies to penetrate through galactic dust.