Do all galaxies have black holes at their centers? If not, what provides
the gravity to hold the galaxy together?
Asked by:
Joseph L. Heil
Answer
According to computer models and theory, it is not necessary for a galaxy to have a black hole at its center. The mass of the stars and gas clouds in the galaxy attracts and this gravitational attraction holds many galaxies together. This said, many, and probably most galaxies do have massive black holes at their center, including ellipsoidal galaxies and spiral galaxies with central bulges.
Answered by:
Rob Landolfi, Science Teacher, Washington, DC
'A hundred times every day I remind myself that my inner and outer life are based on the labors of other men, living and dead, and that I must exert myself in order to give in the same measure as I have received and am still receiving…'