NASA’s image of a black hole devouring a star is the coolest thing you’ll see today

Two of the most fascinating aspects of our galaxy are black holes and stars. These scientific wonders provide insight into the incomprehensible power of our universe.

For some time, scientists have been aware of the interactions between black holes and stars.

As Mic succinctly explains, if a star is too near a black hole, it will lead to a “stellar tidal disruption.” That’s a super cool phrase meaning that a black hole essentially eats up a star in its entirety, leaving dust particles behind.

But research into stellar tidal disruptions has never been too thorough. As you can imagine, it's a pretty difficult moment to witness.

But NASA researchers have finally captured the appearance of ~space dust~ around black holes during a tidal disruption! CHECK THIS OUT:

Sjoert van Velzen, who is the study’s lead author, said in a statement from NASA“This is the first time we have clearly seen the infrared light echoes from multiple tidal disruption events.”

We can't wrap our brains around the expansiveness of the universe -- or the fact that scientists now have a clear picture of a BLACK HOLE legit eating a star.

The universe is pure magic.