What in the World - Why are black holes still such a mystery?

Download Why are black holes still such a mystery?

Can we really get swallowed by a black hole? And what would actually happen if we did? Black holes are really mysterious and there is still so much we don’t know about them. So, grab your space helmet because we’re getting into some of the biggest questions scientists are still trying to answer.

We speak to science journalist, Caroline Steel, to clear up some of the mysteries around black holes. How do they distort time? Are wormholes real?

We also hear from astrophysicist and postdoctoral researcher Rowina Nathan - she separates fact from fiction and busts some of the most common black hole myths, answering questions from members of the Cosmic Girls Foundation, a global community helping teenage girls engage with space, science and technology.

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Presenter: Hannah Gelbart
Producer: Baldeep Chahal, William Lee Adams and Rita Behadini
Editor: Emily Horler

Published on Tuesday, 6th October 2026.

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