Relativistic plasma physics around black holes

We present new equilibrium configurations of plasmas around Schwarzschild black holes. These equilibria fully incorporate the effects of general relativity and generalize certain previously known nonrelativistic results. We also briefly examine the linear stability of these equilibria and comment on various observable features these configurations might have. We identify certain characteristics which would unequivocally indicate the presence of a black hole. If such signals are identified, this would constitute another major confirmation of Einstein's general theory of relativity.