: 1) Could planets orbit a Blackhole??(perhaps now you can see the thought process of my previous question "Sphere of influence"). : : 2) Blackholes emit a huge amount of x-rays/heat as matter collapses into the event horizon-could this energy support life on those planets?? : : 3) IF question 2 is possible then perhaps Blackholes are the best place to search for intelligent life because:- : : a) In 3-4 billion years the sun will engulf earth when it becomes a red giant. : : b) A Blackhole has a lifespan 10 to the power 73 years -stars only last a few billion years. : : I know this is highly speculative -however is this possible?? : Answer to question 1 is yes, but it might not be a nice place to live. The radiation from the infalling stuff tends to be very high energy (x-rays as you noted), and would require some sort of special shielding to keep from killing all living matter. Before the sun burns out, I suspect that life on earth might find a congenial young star to move the planet to.