A&M astronomer: Black hole image helps prove some of Einstein's theories of relativity

The first-ever image of a black hole was released this month, of a "supermassive" black hole in the Messier 87 galaxy.

"We needed the right combination of telescope and a close- and big-enough black hole," said Texas A&M University astronomer and international black hole expert Jonelle Walsh. "This was the one."

Walsh says that the image's significance goes beyond viral internet content: this image, and how close astronomers were able to get to the black hole, help confirm theories about relativity, specifically, Albert Einstein's.

"We're finding out that he was right," Walsh said.

For the full conversation with Walsh, see the video player above.