Double Images from a Single Black Hole

Abstract

In the simulations of the multi-black holes and merging black holes a larger primary image and a secondary smaller image which looks like an eyebrow and the deformation of the shadows have been observed. However, this kind of eyebrow-like structure was considered as unique feature of multi black hole systems. In this paper, we illustrate the new result that in the case of octupole distortions of a Schwarzschild black hole the local observer sees two shadows or two images for this single black hole, i.e., also an eyebrow-like structure. Presence of two images in our case is remarkable, as we have only one black hole, however, the observer sees two dark images of this single black hole.