Now you're the expert on black holes. Select the audience for whom you are writing this essay. Then write your explanation in 200 words or less. If you like, you can choose a picture below to help your description.

After typing your essay, you will be given the option of either printing it with the graphic, printing it without the graphic, or submitting it online. Should you choose to print your essay, clicking on either the print with graphic or print without graphic buttons will open a separate print window. To print your document, click on the "Print" button in the new window's toolbar.

If you submit your essay online, we will read your explanation in the Office of Public Outreach at the Space Telescope Science Institute. Your essay might be selected for posting on this website. If so, you will receive notification through the mail. Make up a code name for yourself! Be sure to tell us your code name along with your grade, the name of your school, and the state or country you live in.