{
  "id": 9584896,
  "title": "Virtual Trips to Black Holes and Neutron Stars",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/virtual-trips-to-black-holes-and-neutron-stars",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-09-24T16:39:59.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "NASA Science",
    "slug": "nasa-science",
    "url": "https://science.nasa.gov/apod/virtual-trips-to-black-holes-and-neutron-stars/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The American Journal of Physics published a paper in 1993 called \"Visual Distortions Near a Black Hole and Neutron Star\" by Robert Nemiroff. This paper delves into the gravitational principles and mathematics that contribute to visual distortions near black holes and neutron stars. It provides a general description of these effects and offers detailed descriptions of virtual trips to both black holes and neutron stars using MPEG movies. These animations are scientifically accurate computer animations based on Einstein's General Theory of Relativity and cater to a wide range of audiences, from casual observers to professionals. The paper also explains the concept of the photon sphere, where photons can orbit in a circle, and how this sphere affects the appearance of objects near a black hole or neutron star. Additionally, it presents a simply stated problem and its solution related to these cosmic phenomena.",
  "summary": "by Robert Nemiroff (Michigan Technological University) Ever wonder what it would look like to travel to a black hole? A neutron star? If so, you might find this page interesting. Here you will find descriptions and MPEG movies that take you on such exciting trips. These movies are scientifically accurate computer animations made with strict […] The post Virtual Trips to Black Holes and Neutron…",
  "key_points": [
    "Paper explores visual distortions near black holes and neutron stars.",
    "Provides virtual trips to black holes and neutron stars via MPEG movies.",
    "Animations based on Einstein's General Theory of Relativity."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}