Scientists have managed to capture the first-ever image of a black hole by correlating data from a global network of radio telescopes.

Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) researchers revealed on Wednesday that they have succeeded, unveiling the first direct visual evidence of a supermassive black hole and its shadow.

The image reveals the black hole at the center of Messier 87, a massive galaxy in the nearby Virgo galaxy cluster. This black hole resides 55 million light-years from Earth and has a mass 6.5-billion times that of the Sun.

European Research Commissioner, Carlos Moedas, hailed the revelation as a "breakthrough for humanity".

"Thanks to the contribution of European scientists, the existence of black holes is no longer just a theoretical concept," he said.

"This amazing discovery proves again how working together with partners around the world can lead to achieving the unthinkable and moving the horizons of our knowledge," said Moedas.

France Cordova, National Science Foundation Director, said the EHT project demonstrates that more collaboration, convergence, shared resources are needed to tackle the universe's biggest mysteries.

"It was an endeavor so remarkable that National Science Foundation has invested more than $30 million over a decade - joined by many other agencies in our support - as these researchers shaped their idea into reality."

Black holes are described as heavy astronomical objects with extreme density. They create a gravitational pull so strong that not even light can escape.

The problem with trying to see a black hole is that they're either too small or too far away.

Until now no real pictures of a black hole existed other than interpretations.

Astronomers have been investigating black holes since they were first proposed by Albert Einstein.