What Is a Black Hole — And Why Does Time Slow Down Near One?

Imagine a super strong magnet that pulls everything in, even light. That's like a black hole. Time gets slower when you get close to it, kind of like how walking through really deep water feels slower than walking on the road. So if someone were near a black hole and another person was far away, the one near the black hole would feel time passing more slowly, like they're watching a slow-motion movie compared to the other person who sees everything in real time.

Take the quiz →

Examples

  1. If you're near a black hole, your watch will tick slower than someone far away, like walking through deep water slows down time.
  2. A black hole could be imagined as a giant vacuum cleaner that sucks in everything around it, including light.
  3. Imagine falling into a black hole and watching the universe stretch out while you're pulled toward the center.

Ask a question

See also

Discussion

Recent activity