The View Near a Black Hole . ... Credit Copyright: April Hobart, CXC Explanation: In the center of a swirling whirlpool of hot gas is likely a beast that has never been seen directly: a black hole . ... Given a previous mass estimate for the central object of seven times the mass of our Sun, the rate of the fast flickering can be explained by a black hole that is rotating very rapidly. ... NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers . NASA Official: Jay Norris. ...