noun Astronomy. A rotating disk of matter formed by material falling into a gravitational source, such as a black hole or young star.
An accretion disc is a structure formed by diffuse material in orbital motion around a massive central body, such as a black hole or a young star. It is a key component in the process of accretion, where material falls onto the central body.
In astrophysics, accretion discs are studied to understand the dynamics of matter falling onto celestial objects and the emission of radiation from these systems.
Accretion discs play a role in the formation and evolution of galaxies and other cosmic structures.
Accretion discs are commonly observed around black holes, where matter spirals inward due to the intense gravitational pull.
Accretion discs are involved in the formation of stars and the accretion of material from the surrounding interstellar medium.
An astronomer may study accretion discs around black holes to understand the processes of matter falling into the black hole and the resulting emission of energy.
Physicists may use accretion discs as a model to study the dynamics of rotating disks of matter and energy.
Astrophysicists may analyze accretion discs to investigate the behavior of matter and energy in extreme environments such as around neutron stars or white dwarfs.
Cosmologists may consider accretion discs as a factor in the evolution of galaxies and the formation of supermassive black holes at their centers.
Science communicators may explain the concept of accretion discs to the general public to showcase the fascinating interactions between matter and gravity in space.