Born on April 11, Happy Birthday Aries!

happy birthday

Happy Birthday Aries!

IF YOU ARE BORN ON April 11, you are open-minded, intuitive, and empathetic. These are all great qualities to have. You have an idealistic and enthusiastic approach to life, my dear Arian.

You have strong opinions and ethics, however, concerning civil matters. What impresses people about you Aries is your cool, calm and collected attitude.

The April 11th birthday personality reeks with integrity. We can smell you a mile away. Those of you born on this day are highly respected by the community and are likely to become great leaders.

You, Aries, the 11 April birthday horoscope shows you to be responsible individuals. What could be determined as negative qualities, in your case, are your abilities to be edgy and stubborn.

This Aries birthday person finds love and friendship in the same person. You are on the right track. Your lover should be your friend but sometimes you flip the coin and are lovers before you are friends.

You have the capacity to be very passionate and caring. Additionally, those born on this birthday can be nurturing. This could work out in someone’s favor if he or she was understanding and like-minded.

You see, when Arians are in love, the relationship can be quiet the fairy tale. The 11th April birthday meanings show that you do not let your independence stand in the way of being very affectionate… playful indeed…and spontaneous!

You never know when this devoted Arian will sweep you off your feet. If you are trying to catch a Ram, be sure to use loyalty, security, and generosity as your weapons. More than anything this zodiac birthday Aries wants to have a dream wedding, the lavish lifestyle and the opportunity to do some traveling.

The April 11 birthday astrology also shows that you like people who can relate to your way of thinking and who has a set of independent goals. You have set your course and surrounded yourself with those that you admire.

If today is your birthday, you are likely to be logical and practical. You have a fair sense of justice too. You are that person who will make a difference in the world!

You have a talent for managing money as a career choice. You have a way of getting people to spill the beans. All these are skills that could be used in a profession of your picking.

Most of the time, a person with an April 11 birthday can make sound decisions and can resolve most issues. When personal conflicts arise and you do not deal with them accordingly, it takes the form of illness. Yes… it does so stop worrying about things you cannot change, let people know how you feel (you are grown now) and feel better. It is just that simple.

You, my dear Ram, are positively glowing with confidence. You feel great and it shows. You take care of yourself and you enjoy exercise. Arians born on today, sleep better knowing that you have put your best foot forward today. Work, family, friends, relationships… you did it all!

You even came home and cook a deliciously healthy meal. Who does that? You do… Aries the Ram, that is who! However, after the meal, you should probably brush your teeth. Most of you born on this day are cavity prone or prone to having gum diseases. Get regular check-ups to avoid any chance of ruining that contagious smile.

The April 11 birthday personality are open-minded and enthusiastic Arians. You take care of yourself and you enjoy cooking for the occasion. Perhaps, you should decide if a friend should be a lover and vice-versa.

In either case, it could end up being a lasting and loving partnership. You are great with financial matters and could easily be a financial planner. You, yourself, cannot resist a bargain but you are careful to read the fine print. Arians born on this day should see the dentist as prescribed.

 

Famous People And Celebrities Born On April 11

David Banner, Ian Bell, Jennifer Esposito, DJ Fresh, Vincent Gallo, Ethel Kennedy, Joss Stone, Meshach Taylor, Jason Varitek

This Day That Year – April 11 In History

1775 – In Germany, people are executed for using witchcraft
1876 – In Sudan, Sir Charles Gordon puts an end to religious tolerance
1890 – Ellis Island becomes a post for immigration
1912 – RMS Titanic heads for NY departing out of Queenstown, Ireland

April 11  Mesha Rashi (Vedic Moon Sign)
April 11  Chinese Zodiac DRAGON

April 11 Birthday Planet

Birthday Planet: Your ruling planet is Mars that symbolizes that is known as the planet of action and shows your energy, passion, and motivation.

April 11 Birthday Symbols

The Ram Is The Symbol For The Aries Star Sign

April 11 Birthday Tarot Card

Your Birthday Tarot Card is Justice. This card symbolizes important judgments surrounding your life. The Minor Arcana cards are Four of Wands and Knight of Pentacles

April 11 Birthday Compatibility

You are most compatible with people born under Zodiac Sign Aries: This can be a fiery and stimulating match.
You are not compatible with people born under Zodiac Sign LibraThis love match will be flirtatious to start with, but will not go much beyond that.

April 11 Lucky Numbers

Number 2 – This number signifies balance, endurance, intuition, and understanding.
Number 6 – This number signifies conventions, honest, trustworthy and resourcefulness.

Lucky Colors For April 11 Birthday

Blue: This color stands for idealism, reliability, predictability, and persistence.
Scarlet: This color signifies intensity, strength, fervor, and excitement.

Lucky Days For April 11 Birthday

Monday – This is the day of Moon that helps you understand your emotions and feelings for all those around you.
Tuesday – This is the day of planet Mars that signifies action and willpower needed to overcome obstacles.

April 11 Birthstone Diamond

Your lucky gemstone is Diamond which is a symbol of miracles, inspiration, courage, and innocence.

Ideal Zodiac Birthday Gifts For People Born On The 11th Of April:

Skydiving classes for the man and scuba diving classes for the woman.

 

–SunSIgns.org

Your Daily Horoscopes for Thursday, April 11

Moon Alert

We have the “all clear” today to shop and do business. The Moon is in Cancer.

Aries (March 21-April 19)

It’s a winning day! You feel optimistic and up for anything. Because you feel so good, you will attract positive situations and upbeat people to you because everyone loves a winner! With the Sun in your sign, you are super blessed!

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

Even though a part of you wants to withdraw from the busyness of your everyday world, nevertheless, friends and groups will seduce you to socialize and have fun today. Enjoy hanging out with younger people as well as creative types. Make big plans for the future!

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

You impress bosses, parents and VIPs with your positive attitude today. “Build it and they will come!” Your enthusiasm will be infectious and will attract others to you. Furthermore, people will endorse you and do what you say. Remember Spiderman: “With great power comes great responsibility.”

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

Some of you will make fantastic, ambitious travel plans today. Others will be just as ambitious making plans related to higher education, publishing, medicine and the law. You feel hopeful about what is possible and this gives you the confidence to act.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

If dividing or sharing something today, be careful not to go overboard and give away the farm. You might also want to be careful about overlooking details. But aside from that, you’re thinking big and you’re ready to do big things, especially financial deals, because you see that they are possible.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

You will attract positive, upbeat people to you today because these are the kind of vibes that you’re putting out to the world. Join forces with others to make things happen because you will be successful! At the very least, this is a fabulous day to schmooze and have fun.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

Work-related travel will delight you today. All kinds of group activities related to your job will be a positive, upbeat experience. This is an excellent day to deal with foreign countries or people from other cultures because you are open-minded, optimistic and ready to learn.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

This is a fun-loving, playful day! Make plans to meet friends for interesting conversation and laughter. Enjoy sports events, bike rides and playful activities with children. Explore the theatre and the arts – or book a great table at a wonderful restaurant. Live it up!

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

This is a wonderful day to entertain at home, especially for a family gathering with children. People want to have a great time! Whether you barbecue, picnic or dine indoors – invite the gang over for good food and drink. Real-estate opportunities look promising as well.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

The power of the mind is an amazing thing. It’s true that when we change how we see the world, the world does change – but it’s all in our mind. Today you have a positive point of view, which is why you see opportunities everywhere. Choose the best!

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

This is an excellent day for business and commerce. Look for ways to boost your income or make more money. Admittedly, it is easy to overlook small details today, so double check important papers and contracts. If shopping, keep your receipts.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

Because you feel optimistic and upbeat today, you’re keen to make big plans and set long-range goals. Today you feel you can see the whole picture, which allows you to act on ideas you hadn’t fully embraced before. However, today – you’re ready!

If Your Birthday Is Today

Actress Kelli Garner (1984) shares your birthday today. You can be feisty and impatient. You are independent; yet, you value your security. This year you are winding up what you began nine years ago. It’s time to leave behind heavy burdens and move to something new and lighter. Start to identify what you no longer need in terms of possessions, people and even places. This is not loss. You are lightening your load for new beginnings.

–GeorgiaNicols

So Much for Astronomy, How About Your Love Horoscopes for April 11 & April 12

Your Love Horoscopes for April 11 & April 12

 

Pisces Daily Love Horoscope

Thursday 11th of April 2019

It might be necessary to have a conversation with a loved one that could involve focusing on aspects of the past – yours or theirs. However, to achieve closure where it’s needed, this exchange has to happen. If a particular matter has been swept conveniently under the carpet or ignored, then now is a perfect time to bring it into the open and resolve it, once and for all. The whole process could be less complex or awkward than you think, too.

Pisces tomorrow love horoscope:

Friday 12th of April 2019

Some detective work on your part where a certain person is concerned could prove enlightening. You appear to be receiving information you’re expected to believe without questioning it but also appear to sense there’s more to a situation than you’re told. However, don’t jump to conclusions. You may not be dealing with anything deceitful and need to dig a bit deeper for essential information before deciding your next move.

Capricorn Daily Love Horoscope

Thursday 11th of April 2019

The last thing you probably want to feel in your emotional world is a restriction or to feel you can’t make progress or proceed in a way you want to. Perhaps, someone disapproves of your relationship or an authority figure plays a part in creating obstacles. In any case, you and someone close might need to address this situation together and agree on a way forward. You don’t need to break a rule but could certainly bend one or two to suit you.

Capricorn tomorrow love horoscope:

Friday 12th of April 2019

Is it possible you’ve misinterpreted a situation in your emotional world or arrangement with a particular person? What you believed was straightforward could be something altogether different and you may have concerns about how this alters a certain equilibrium between you. To get this sorted and balanced will require you to speak your mind – but carefully and sensitively!

Sagittarius Daily Love Horoscope

Thursday 11th of April 2019

You and someone close could be reaching an ‘enough is enough’ scenario in some way and to resolve a particular issue may require both of you to put your heads together to do so. If you sense a scenario has dragged on for long enough, then coming up with a solution that brings closure in ways you both want isn’t impossible. Nipping this matter in the bud only requires a genuine willingness on both sides to do so.

Sagittarius tomorrow love horoscope:

Friday 12th of April 2019

Something or someone connected with your emotional world could require a bit more thinking time than you’ve given it or them recently. You may sense more consideration is required before you can reach a certain decision. However, if you look closely at where confusion exists, it could become apparent you’ve convinced yourself of something untrue. You need to allow the truth within a certain situation to find its way to you now.

Scorpio Daily Love Horoscope

Thursday 11th of April 2019

It might be clear that a loved one doesn’t agree with you or isn’t willing to be supportive in a way you’d hoped. However, don’t let this become a bone of contention between you. They might be focused on other matters deserving their attention or aren’t able to provide what you want instantly. Allow this to push you to take the initiative and make something happen yourself. The pride that comes from doing so will be justified!

Scorpio tomorrow love horoscope:

Friday 12th of April 2019

The past is unchangeable but you’re superbly placed to get a new plan underway for your future. Your emotional world or a love partnership can benefit from a new level of understanding and insight that you’ve gained recently. This can help to alter an attitude or opinion that has prevented you from making the passionate progress you deserve. Something is becoming clearer so trust you will soon feel delighted with what you’re moving on from – and what you’re putting in place.

Libra Daily Love Horoscope

Thursday 11th of April 2019

A difference of opinion could occur in your emotional world and highlight beyond any doubt how you and a lover aren’t on the same page where a particular matter is concerned. Fortunately, this needn’t result in a confrontational scenario. In fact, it could provide the right levels of spice to heat things up between you in a delightful way, as long as the lines of communication are as open as possible.

Libra tomorrow love horoscope:

Friday 12th of April 2019

Life would probably be more straightforward if you simply agreed with a loved one or accepted their reasons for insisting something should be done their way. If you sense you’re struggling to see the logic within their thinking and believe they’re missing a crucial point, then draw attention to this sensitively. It may become apparent that you know more about the issue than they do.

Virgo Daily Love Horoscope

Thursday 11th of April 2019

A development outside your emotional sphere, possibly connected to your career, has implications in some way to your love life. Professional progress could take more of your time and reduce time spent with or focused on a lover. A new level of understanding will have to be reached. If you’re attached, then you’ll need to make clear how and why you need a partner to be supportive of your plans or understand why you’re pulled in more than one direction.

Virgo tomorrow love horoscope:

Friday 12th of April 2019

What you want to change in a relationship or your emotional world generally could make itself known but you might feel unsure what you can realistically change and what should be left to sort itself. For now, allow coming events to dictate what ought to be left alone. A process of change underway may be subtle but it’s far-reaching and needs to be left alone to work its magic in its own way.

Leo Daily Love Horoscope

Thursday 11th of April 2019

Injecting a new level of spark or magic into your emotional world or a love relationship shouldn’t prove difficult now. It might be the way one arrangement or shared situation needs to change or evolve that encourages you to find a way to change or reinvigorate it. A new level of understanding can be reached with your paramour – and you might find them to be more supportive than you thought.

Leo tomorrow love horoscope:

Friday 12th of April 2019

You may be aware of what could benefit from effort made to improve it within your emotional world or a special connection. Doing so could ensure something from the past gets upgraded into the present, too. What has become outgrown or outdated can be replaced with something more appropriate if you’re willing to apply a bit of Leonine imagination – and this includes updating any tedious routines or habits.

Cancer Daily Love Horoscope

Thursday 11th of April 2019

What you’ve kept to yourself – either surrounding a past relationship or issues that have arisen recently in a present one – could emerge to anyone who you sense is willing to listen. Chances are, this won’t be a partner or someone you want to be closer with, either. An emotional release is likely and if you’ve found a reliable sounding board with a close friend, family member or coworker, then their insights could prove helpful with you letting go of what or who has been holding you back.

Cancer tomorrow love horoscope:

Friday 12th of April 2019

There may be limits surrounding the support or advice you can offer someone close but be willing to help, nonetheless. You could be required to step back and let them deal with things in their own way once you’ve said or done all you can say or do. Making clear you’re at hand should they need you might be all the object of your affections needs to know, for now anyway.

Gemini Daily Love Horoscope

Thursday 11th of April 2019

Where you might have felt it was necessary or helpful to ignore a certain romantic or relationship issue, it might be time to face it now, warts and all! You might have been willing to accept certain issues in the hope they wouldn’t prove problematic but might now be reaching a point where you want someone to know the reality of your relationship – as you see it. State your case honestly but sensitively.

Gemini tomorrow love horoscope:

Friday 12th of April 2019

A loved one may see a certain matter as confusing but try to see things from their point of view. You might be better placed than they are to find a solution by being more directly involved with the matter in some way. If history is repeating itself and you managed to resolve this issue previously, then it’s possible a loved one felt excluded from that process. Work together this time to resolve it as a team.

Taurus Daily Love Horoscope

Thursday 11th of April 2019

You might be oblivious to how intently the object of your affections listens to your every word. Even what’s said in jest can be taken seriously, so choose your words carefully, especially if there’s something you want to get off your chest. Your words carry considerably more passionate clout and might lose any sensitive or compassionate vibe, so try not to get carried away.

Taurus tomorrow love horoscope:

Friday 12th of April 2019

Your keenness to instigate a certain conversation or exchange may not be shared by a loved one or love interest. What you see as important or in need of addressing pronto could be something your paramour believes to be an issue resolved long ago. The progress you wish to make relies on you refraining from being accusatory or critical, so dial back any tendency to be both.

Aries Daily Love Horoscope

Thursday 11th of April 2019

A small act of selflessness can send a very clear and delightful signal or vibe to a special someone who is bound to adore seeing your altruistic side. This may involve taking on a particular responsibility on their behalf or agreeing to assist in a way that provides your lover with a chance to regain their bearings or enjoy temporary freedom. Whatever you do, it won’t go unnoticed – or unreciprocated in the future.

Aries tomorrow love horoscope:

Friday 12th of April 2019

You may not need to succumb to an urge to withdraw or isolate yourself to reflect upon your emotional world or a special connection. Consider options where you and a loved one can escape into a world of your own creation. A darkened cinema, theater or cozy night under a duvet with a tub of ice cream and watching TV could be perfect! Enjoy closeness without distractions or a need to be anywhere that makes closeness difficult.

Aquarius Daily Love Horoscope

Thursday 11th of April 2019

You could assess what’s habitual in your emotional world or a love connection and what could bring new and exciting levels of spontaneity to either or both. If a certain process has become mechanical or you feel you’re constantly covering the same old ground, then you have cosmic support to shake things up a bit and bring a new lease of life where it’s needed.

Aquarius tomorrow love horoscope:

Friday 12th of April 2019

It’s possible the time has arrived for a certain line to be drawn and this might surround refusing to placate or cater to a certain person any longer. The action you’re encouraged to take is guided by what your heart and instincts tell you. Some Aquarians might be aware of how toxic a demanding or draining relationship is – or was. This could be a period of re-evaluation with matters of the heart and it could be time to free yourself from anyone or anything that slows or brings you down.

 

And I Finally Thought I had Good News for You…Full Moon 19 April 2019 – Pride Comes Before a Fall

Full Moon 19 April 2019 – Pride Comes Before a Fall

The full moon on Friday April 19, 2019 at 29° Libra is opposite Uranus. This means your need for change, excitement or freedom could make you restless and impulsive. Unexpected events and unpredictable behavior could add much tension to close relationships.

The April 2019 full moon also highlights relationship imbalances involving emotional support and love. Asteroid Hybris conjunct the full moon calls for compassion and humility to replace overconfidence and arrogance.

Full Moon Meaning

A full moon occurs when the Sun is opposite the Moon. This highlights opposing forces or polarities in your life such as your work versus home, or what you need versus what you want. Inner tension and external pressures can lead to personal conflict and crises that drain your energy. Your home, family and intimate relationships comes into sharper focus following a full moon.

The lunar qualities of emotions and instincts reach their peak at a full moon. Use you increased emotional strength and intuition to overcome any relationship challenges. Subconscious awareness allows for an impartial and balanced look at your personal relationships. You will clearly see any relationship dynamics or negative feelings causing disharmony.

Full Moon April 2019 Astrology

The April 19 full moon at 29°06′ Libra makes aspects to Venus which rules love and Uranus which rules change. Unfortunately, both aspects are challenging so this full moon could bring relationship uncertainty and tension.

Uranus Change and Uncertainty

Sun conjunct Uranus brings excitement, unexpected change and freedom. You should feel a strong urge to break free from routine, doing something totally different from your normal activities. But with Moon opposite Uranus, unexpected changes and upsetting disruptions could bring restlessness and nervous tension.

Flexible and open-mindedness will increase the likelihood of more pleasant surprises and thrilling experiences. But if this impulsive energy affects your ego, you could take unnecessary risks or rebel against authority. Aggressive reaction and conflict may follow, with danger to yourself and your reputation.

Moon opposite Uranus can cause emotional upsets and relationship turmoil. Impulsive reactions and emotionally based decisions could turn a minor drama into total chaos. So take extra care when making important decisions, especially about relationships.

A strong need for independence can also be a strongly disruptive force. Unexpected events, mood swings or emotional detachment can put a lot of strain on your home and family as well as intimate relationships.

Venus Love and Self Worth

Moon quincunx Venus increases your need for love and affection but also increases relationship tension, especially involving women. Tension rises because of an imbalance involving emotional support and love. The amount of loved received is not the same as the amount given.

Seeking satisfaction elsewhere would involve secrecy and the risk of being caught. Emotional comfort may even be sought in sweet food or drugs. Even if you don’t have any problems with others, you could still experience an internal imbalance involving self-love and self-image.

Karmic imbalances may be related to a family member, possibly your mother. Addressing unresolved issues from this relationship is the key to resolving other challenging imbalances in your life. An interfering or overly possessive mother is one challenge you may have to face. Infidelity, addiction or health issues are other possible sources of relationship tension that you may need to deal with.

Asteroid Hybris

Asteroid Hybris at 28°47′ Libra is conjunct the full moon. Asteroid 430 Hyrbis is named after the Greek goddess Hubris, representing extreme or foolish pride, dangerous over confidence and arrogance. It usually brings about the downfall, or nemesis, of the perpetrator of hubris.

In ancient Greek, hubris referred to actions that shamed and humiliated the victim for the pleasure or gratification of the abuser. The term had a strong sexual connotation, and the shame reflected upon the perpetrator as well.

Today, hubris denotes overconfident pride and arrogance associated with a lack of humility and sometimes ignorance. Hubris is often followed by suffering or punishment (nemesis in Greek mythology).

Full Moon Summary

The strongest influence on a full moon is always Sun opposite Moon which brings relationship into focus. The next strongest influence on full moon April 2019 is Uranus. Sun conjunct Uranus puts the focus on your need for change, excitement and independence.

Moon opposite Uranus makes you more restless and impulsive. It makes other areas of your life, especially intimate relationship, more sensitive to moods and behaviors.

The full moon quincunx Venus highlights imbalances in love relationships which further increase tensions. Flexibility will help you make adjustments in response to changing circumstances. Compromise and love will help restore the karmic balance.

Asteroid Hybris conjunct the full moon warns against foolish pride, overconfidence and arrogance. Keep this in mind if your ego begins to get carried away by Uranus excitement and impulsiveness. “Pride comes before a fall.”

A full moon has a relationship to the previous new moon. Your April 5 new moon goals can now be fine-tuned or completed, it is harvest time. You can make emotional adjustments in response to those new goals. The April 19 full moon lasts for two weeks up to the May 4 new moon.

Full Moon April 2019 Times and Dates
  • Los Angeles – 19 April, 4:12 am
  • New York – 19 April, 7:12 am
  • London – 19 April, 12:12 pm
  • Delhi – 19 April, 4:42 pm
  • Sydney – 19 April, 9:12 pm

 

–Astrology KIng

Pluto Square Sun Transit

Pluto Square Sun Transit

 

 

Published on Astrology King

Jupiter Retrograde April 2019 – Test of Love

Jupiter Retrograde April 2019 – Test of Love

 

The Daily Cosmic Calendar for Thursday, April 11

COSMIC CALENDAR

You receive a temporary reprieve from the last four days of solar systemic upheavals, but only slightly. Venus and Pallas decide to keep sensible problem-solving and strategic thinking up in the air via their off-kilter, 150-degree liaison (1:33 p.m.) while Mercury in Pisces square to now retrograde Jupiter in Sagittarius (9:19 p.m.) adds a contentious energy-field to the realms of communication and transportation.

Your ace in the hole is the lunar presence in Cancer—offering an escape from societal tensions by adding beautiful touches around your residence and showing off your culinary and gardening skills. Enjoying a well-deserved trip down memory lane also fits in nicely with the moon’s transit through the nostalgia-enhancing fourth sign of the zodiac.

[Note to readers: All times are calculated for Pacific Daylight Time. Be sure to adjust all times according to your own local time so the alignments noted above will be exact for your location.]

Copyright 2018 Mark Lerner & Great Bear Enterprises, Ltd. 

Astrology.com

Question of the Day for April 11

Question of the Day

This has been a hot-button issue and a very sensitive topic in The Craft for centuries. What am I talking about? I will tell you, Christians becoming Witches. I want to know your opinion on Christians becoming Witches? Do you think it is possible? Do you think they should be allowed to? Do you believe in Christian Wicca?

I will give you my opinion on the matter at the end of today’s posts. But I want to hear from you first. Did I just open up a can of worms or what?

Lady A

Good Thursday Morning To All Our Dear Brothers & Sisters of The Craft! May The Goddess Fill Your Life With Blessings Today!

celtic catholic
Well you are a bunch of lucky witches this morning! I made the mistake of answering our business phone and I didn’t think I would ever get off of it. Then I had to argue with my doctor for a few minutes. He had removed one of my medications from my chart. Come to find out that was a mistake and easily corrected.

So why are you lucky? We are doing the condensed version of our usual posts today. I know, I know, y’all are all hollering “Yippee!” Hmm, according to the spell checker I spelled that right but it doesn’t look right. Anyway, since we are running late, I think it is time I stop talking and get to work.

Wishing you & yours a very beautiful & blessed day,

Love ya,

Lady of the Abyss

Earth Sky News for April 10: Astronomers unveil history-making 1st black hole photo

Astronomers unveil history-making 1st black hole photo

Today, in coordinated press conferences across the globe, researchers unveiled the first direct visual evidence of a supermassive black hole and its shadow.
Scientists have obtained the first radio image of a black hole, using Event Horizon Telescope observations of the center of the galaxy M87. This long-sought image provides the strongest evidence to date for the existence of supermassive black holes and opens a new window onto the study of black holes, their event horizons, and gravity. Image via Event Horizon Telescope Collaboration.

Today (April 10, 2019), in coordinated press conferences around the world, researchers unveiled the first direct visual evidence – a photo, albeit in the “light” of radio waves – of a supermassive black hole’s event horizon. The image (above) is the result of a multi-year, international collaboration. The astronomers said it presents “paradigm-shifting” observations of the gargantuan black hole in the center of the galaxy M87, 55 million light-years from Earth. The image doesn’t show the black hole itself; black holes are black because no light can escape them, and thus the holes themselves are invisible. Instead, the image shows what astronomers are calling the black hole’s “shadow,” a bright ring formed as light bends in the intense gravity around the hole. This black hole, by the way, at M87’s heart, is thought to be some 6.5 billion times more massive than our sun.

To obtain the image, astronomers used the Event Horizon Telescope (@ehtelescope on Twitter) – a planet-scale array of eight ground-based radio telescopes – designed specifically to capture the first-ever black hole photo.

This breakthrough was announced today in a series of six papers published in a special issue of The Astrophysical Journal Letters. To say it is a big deal for astronomers is an understatement. Although black holes have been studied for decades, they’ve been largely theoretical objects. All the images you’ve ever seen of them have been computer simulations, or artist’s conceptions, until now.

Event Horizon Telescope project director Sheperd S. Doeleman of the Harvard-Smithsionian Center for Astrophysics said in a statement:

We have taken the first picture of a black hole. This is an extraordinary scientific feat accomplished by a team of more than 200 researchers.

And here’s more from a statement from the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT):

Black holes are extraordinary cosmic objects with enormous masses but extremely compact sizes. The presence of these objects affects their environment in extreme ways, warping spacetime and super-heating any surrounding material.

Multiple calibration and imaging methods revealed a ring-like structure with a dark central region – the black hole’s shadow – that persisted over multiple independent EHT observations.

Supermassive black holes are relatively tiny astronomical objects – which has made them impossible to directly observe until now. As a black hole’s size is proportional to its mass, the more massive a black hole, the larger the shadow. Thanks to its enormous mass and relative proximity, M87’s black hole was predicted to be one of the largest viewable from Earth – making it a perfect target for the EHT.

The shadow of a black hole is the closest we can come to an image of the black hole itself, a completely dark object from which light cannot escape. The black hole’s boundary – the event horizon from which the EHT takes its name – is around 2.5 times smaller than the shadow it casts and measures just under 40 billion kilometers [25 billion miles] across.

The Event Horizon Telescope links telescopes around the globe to form an Earth-sized virtual telescope. Its Earth-sized scale gives it sensitivity and resolution that’s truly unprecedented: hence, the first-ever black hole image. The EHT is the result of years of international collaboration. It offers scientists a new way to study the most extreme objects in the universe predicted by Einstein’s general relativity during the centennial year of the historic experiment that first confirmed the theory.

Doeleman said:

We have achieved something presumed to be impossible just a generation ago. Breakthroughs in technology, connections between the world’s best radio observatories, and innovative algorithms all came together to open an entirely new window on black holes and the event horizon.

And, as with all new advances in science, this new step forward is sure to lead to more questions! Astronomers and astronomy enthusiasts are already asking them …

Bottom line: First-ever black hole photo – what astronomers have called the “shadow” of the event horizon – was released April 10, 2019.

 

Published on EarthSky