Any deviations the Event Horizon Telescope measures from the predictions of general relativity have the potential to challenge our understanding
of black hole physics.
Gebhardt says studying extreme black holes like the one in M87 gives astronomers their best chance of learning more
about black hole physics in general.
This general purpose, long - lived facility would be the prime tool for generations of astronomers, producing transformational scientific advances in every area of astronomy and astrophysics
from black hole physics to galaxy formation, from star and planet formation to the Solar System.
However, our understanding
of black hole physics is in its infancy, and this conjecture has never been tested.
Priyamvada Natarajan is a theoretical astrophysicist at Yale University whose research focuses on cosmology, gravitational lensing and
black hole physics.