Man-made Black Hole

Marisa Smith

Two Chinese scientists have created the first ever man-made electromagnetic black hole out of microwave frequencies.  This desktop-sized black hole doesn't function identically to the real outer space variety, but it does mimic some of its properties, including the ability to absorb electromagnetic radiation.  As such, the scientists hope it will be useful as a "thermal emitting source" to be used to harvest solar light. 

Image: "Black Hole Wind" by thebadastronomer on flickr, courtesy of Creative Commons.