Gamma-ray observatory “Integral” helped the international think-tank headed by Russian fellows from the Institute for Space Research to find how many black holes are there in our Universe.
      
      Scientists have monitored gamma rays arriving from far corners of the Universe and fading on “Integral” detectors. Of course, background radiation of the Earth was considered in the calculations.
      
      Most gamma-ray radiation sources are considered to be massive black holes in centres of galaxies. Radiation is discharged due to gas, falling into black hole, and resulting fluorescence is spread all around the Universe.
      
      Measurements of background x-ray and gamma ray radiation might help to find the exact number of black holes and how distant they are from our planet. Currently the scientists are aware of existence of about 300 black holes in our galaxy and about 100 black holes outside the Milky Way. The Universe is believed to have tens of millions of black holes, which are spread all around it and contribute to the background radiation.
      
      Astronomers plan to develop a computer model for obtaining data on how many black holes, which are invisible from the Earth, contribute to the general background radiation.
      
      Source: Compulenta