Cosimo Bambi

Scientists are researching a laser-powered nanospacecraft that could reach a black hole within decades. Credit: Al-Hadayan website via DALEE

A paperclip-sized probe could probe a black hole's event horizon

A research program proposes launching a nanospacecraft with a light sail, propelled by a laser beam at up to about a third of the speed of light, to reach a nearby black hole within decades and test the theory of relativity under extreme conditions—if one is found.