Image: This computer-simulated image shows gas from a star that is ripped apart by tidal forces as it falls into a black hole. Credits: NASA, S. Gezari (The Johns Hopkins University), and J. Guillochon (University of California, Santa Cruz) When a star in a galactic nucleus is deflected too close to the central supermassive black hole (BH), it can be torn apart by tidal forces. During this tidal disruption event (TDE), roughly half of the stellar debris remains bound to the BH, while the other half is flung outwards and unbound from the system. The bound material, following a potentially complex process of debris circularization accretes onto the BH, creating a luminous flare lasting months to years.
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