Uploaded March 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
There are objects in space so dense not even light can escape from them.
The gravity of these objects creates a boundary, called the event horizon, beyond which no matter or energy can escape.
But black holes don’t take Maria Rodriguez to a dark place. In fact, a smile breaks out across her face and her countenance quickly brightens when discussing recent research breakthroughs involving these mysterious cosmic bodies.
“So many things have happened in just the last 10 years that this is now the Platinum Era of black holes thanks to all the data we’re getting,” says Rodriguez, an associate professor of physics in Utah State University’s College of Science. “From the time I started studying black holes to now, I am just thrilled that this is happening. This is like the Disneyland of black holes."
Thumbnail Image Contains Media from: NASA, ESA, CSA, Ralf Crawford (STScI)
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Since 1888, Utah State University established itself as a premier research institution known through the world for its intellectual and technological leadership. USU’s main campus is in Logan, plus 30 campuses throughout Utah. And as long as WiFi is available, you can be an Aggie anywhere through USU Online.
USU competes in 16 NCAA Division I sports. Our student section, the HURD, is one of the loudest and rowdiest in the nation. The diehards become True Aggies by kissing on the block “A” on Homecoming. Adrenaline junkies sled down Old Main hill between classes or rock climb outside. And everyone eats Aggie Ice Cream — even with a foot of snow on the ground.
#7 Best Bang for the Buck in the West - Washington Monthly
#8 Public University in the Nation - Washington Monthly
#11 Best Online Bachelor's Program - U.S. News & World Report
There’s a place for you at Utah State. Join us.
https://usu.edu/admissions/aggielife/
Follow Us
FB: facebook.com/UtahState
IG: instagram.com/USUAggielife
TW: twitter.com/USUAggies
USU is committed to a learning and working environment free from discrimination. For USU’s non-discrimination notice, see equity.usu.edu/non-discrimination.
There are objects in space so dense not even light can escape from them.
The gravity of these objects creates a boundary, called the event horizon, beyond which no matter or energy can escape.
But black holes don’t take Maria Rodriguez to a dark place. In fact, a smile breaks out across her face and her countenance quickly brightens when discussing recent research breakthroughs involving these mysterious cosmic bodies.
“So many things have happened in just the last 10 years that this is now the Platinum Era of black holes thanks to all the data we’re getting,” says Rodriguez, an associate professor of physics in Utah State University’s College of Science. “From the time I started studying black holes to now, I am just thrilled that this is happening. This is like the Disneyland of black holes."
Thumbnail Image Contains Media from: NASA, ESA, CSA, Ralf Crawford (STScI)
–––––––––––
Since 1888, Utah State University established itself as a premier research institution known through the world for its intellectual and technological leadership. USU’s main campus is in Logan, plus 30 campuses throughout Utah. And as long as WiFi is available, you can be an Aggie anywhere through USU Online.
USU competes in 16 NCAA Division I sports. Our student section, the HURD, is one of the loudest and rowdiest in the nation. The diehards become True Aggies by kissing on the block “A” on Homecoming. Adrenaline junkies sled down Old Main hill between classes or rock climb outside. And everyone eats Aggie Ice Cream — even with a foot of snow on the ground.
#7 Best Bang for the Buck in the West - Washington Monthly
#8 Public University in the Nation - Washington Monthly
#11 Best Online Bachelor's Program - U.S. News & World Report
There’s a place for you at Utah State. Join us.
https://usu.edu/admissions/aggielife/
Follow Us
FB: facebook.com/UtahState
IG: instagram.com/USUAggielife
TW: twitter.com/USUAggies
USU is committed to a learning and working environment free from discrimination. For USU’s non-discrimination notice, see equity.usu.edu/non-discrimination.
