Lighting up Supermassive Black Holes with Tidal Disruption Events

Explore the fascinating world of supermassive black holes and tidal disruption events (TDEs) in this illuminating lecture by Brenna Mockler from Carnegie Observatories. Discover how stars that venture too close to these cosmic giants are torn apart by immense tidal forces, creating spectacular flares of light. Delve into the physics of extreme conditions surrounding black holes and learn how TDEs serve as unique probes for studying otherwise invisible environments. Gain insights into recent observational and theoretical advances in this rapidly evolving field of astrophysics. Understand the process of stellar "spaghettification" and the subsequent transformation of debris into luminous events. Perfect for educators and astronomy enthusiasts seeking to grasp complex concepts and potentially incorporate them into classroom activities.