Does a black hole heat up planets orbiting the black hole?

Short answer: usually no-a black hole doesn’t automatically heat nearby planets. Why: A black hole itself (like black hole) doesn’t emit light or heat in the usual sense; it mainly exerts gravity. A planet orbiting it would only be warmed if there’s external radiation. When heating can happen: If the black hole is actively feeding (has an accretion disk), infalling matter heats up and emits intense radiation (X-rays, UV). That can strongly heat-or even sterilize-nearby planets. Tidal forces (gravity differences) could also generate internal heating, but that’s secondary. Bottom line: Quiet black hole → little to no heating Active, feeding black hole → extreme radiation → strong heating (and likely hostile environment)
Question by: Isabelle