Explore the fascinating world of supermassive black holes in this 45-minute lecture by Dr. Becky Smethurst from the University of Oxford. Delve into the complexities of black hole growth, challenging common misconceptions about their voracious nature. Learn about the formation of black holes, their detection methods, and their influence on surrounding celestial bodies. Discover the role of supernovas, the Hubble Space Telescope, and abandoned observatories in the Canary Islands. Gain insights into the spectrum analysis, quantum mechanics, and the limits of black hole growth. Examine the correlation between galaxy size and black hole mass, and uncover non-merger processes contributing to their expansion. Perfect for astronomy enthusiasts and those curious about the mysteries of our universe.