As matter goes in and gathers into what is called an accretion disk, it heats up and emits X-rays.

BBC: First glimpse of a black hole's spin

Proga and his colleagues hypothesize that intense ultraviolet light emanating from the accretion disk region produces two types of winds.

CNN: Black holes in a new light

These winds are generated in a swirling mass of matter around the equatorial region of a black hole, the accretion disk.

CNN: Black holes in a new light

Together these two winds produce a shield that allows certain types of matter in the outer regions of the accretion disk area to sail away safely, said the scientists from the Goddard center.

CNN: Black holes in a new light