First, let's start by defining what a black hole is according to NASA:

"A black hole is a place in space where gravity pulls so much that even light can not get out. The gravity is so strong because matter has been squeezed into a tiny space. This can happen when a star is dying. Because no light can get out, people can't see black holes. They are invisible. Space telescopes with special tools can help find black holes. The special tools can see how stars that are very close to black holes act differently than other stars."

So, considering black holes are so strong that not even light waves can escape, what would happen if Earth itself ever got too close and was sucked into one?

Take a look at BBC Earth Unplugged's video explaining what would happen to our little planet if crossed paths with a powerful black hole