Tidal Disruption (IMAGE) University of California - Santa Cruz Caption When a star first encounters a black hole, tidal forces stretch the star into an elongated blob before tearing it apart, as seen in these images from a computer simulation. Credit James Guillochon Usage Restrictions For use only with news coverage of this research. License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.