Snap, Crackle and Pop: Flares, Variability and Caustics from the Black Hole in M87

Join Prof. Roger Blandford from Stanford University for a detailed lecture exploring the dynamic phenomena surrounding the supermassive black hole at the center of galaxy M87, focusing on the fascinating occurrences of flares, variability patterns, and caustic effects. Delve into the complex physics behind these astronomical events and understand how they contribute to our understanding of black hole behavior and their interaction with surrounding matter. Learn about the latest research findings and observations that help explain the unique characteristics of M87's central black hole, including its periodic variations in brightness and the formation of caustic patterns in its immediate vicinity.