Black Holes
Laplace also came close to propounding the concept of the black hole. He pointed out that there could be massive stars whose gravity is so great that not even light could escape from their surface (see escape velocity). Laplace also speculated that some of the nebulae revealed by telescopes might not be part of the Milky Way but rather galaxies themselves. Thus, he anticipated Edwin Hubble's major discovery 100 years in advance.
Read more about this topic: Pierre-Simon Laplace
Famous quotes containing the words black and/or holes:
“But not the tallest there, ‘tis said,
Could fathom to this pond’s black bed.”
—Edmund Blunden (1896–1974)
“And as my wit doth best devise,
Love’s dwelling is in ladies’ eyes,
From whence do glance love’s piercing darts,
That make such holes into our hearts;
And all the world herein accord,
Love is a great and mighty lord;”
—George Peele (1559–1596)