Dynamic Space Flow: Exploring the Mysteries of Black Holes

In summary, the author argues that the mathematical basis for the picture of space falling into a black hole has a sound basis, but that the model doesn't work as a starting point for thinking about vacuum energy, Hawking radiation, the Higgs field, dark energy, and the other stuff you mention in the first post.
  • #1
_PJ_
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I thought I was following and understanding a lot of ideas about Black Holes until I revisited the concept of Spacetime 'flowing' within the Event Horizon and, assuming a singularity, disappearing.

Now, The Hawking Radiation can be encoded with the information patterns for MATTER (which is almost undoubtedly evaporated to energy on its way) according to the external observations of the "surface" effected by the Horizon itself - therefore, this information, momentum, mass/energy, and somehow, presumably, angular momentum all of which must be preserved can be.
HOWEVER,
What about the on-zero vacuum energies, Dark Energy and Higgs Fields etc. permeating spacetime? Surely these, as energy, must be preserved; but the rate at which spacetime is apparently "flowing" into the singularity exceeds celerity and so HUGE volumes of energetic potential* are ... what?

Also, where is the spacetime coming from? How can it flow (I appreciate the mathematics involved show this,but cannot reconcile this concept) again, with huge volumes apparently disappearing 'down the plughole' without there being a noticeable "reduction in spacetime" (Yes, I can see this sis something not easily measurable, but I hope you can see my point)
Certainly DE can be propagating spacetime but, not enough?
 
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  • #2
The "space flow" is just a metaphor that some people find helpful in visualizing the behavior of a test particle in the neighborhood of a black hole. If it isn't helping you visualize what's going on... Don't use it.

The math is the final authority, and it does not say huge volumes of spacetime are being created somewhere and then disappearing down the drain.
 
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  • #3
"The math is the final authority, and it does not say huge volumes of spacetime are being created somewhere and then disappearing down the drain."
Exactly - this is why I have difficulty with the definition given:
"I prefer a different definition. A black hole is a place where space is falling faster than light."

I can only assume that the terminology is poor, referring to mass/energy contributions to the field net energies as 'space', rather than space(time) itself when they state "space", such as:

"The picture of spacing falling into a black hole has a sound mathematical basis" which, interestingly is with reference to Gullstrand-Painlev€ which seems only to, as you mentioned, describe a conversion between interpretations of one distant observer and a local one in vicinity of a BH's Event Horizon.

http://jila.colorado.edu/~ajsh/insidebh/waterfall.html
 
  • #4
That site is interestingly different from (and in some ways better than) many of the other math-free popular explanations around. There's nothing wrong with good popularizations as long as you're aware of their limitations.

Here the limitation is that the flow model, with spacetime as a fluid and matter as fish being swept along by the water doesn't work AT ALL as a starting point for thinking about vacuum energy, Hawking radiation, the Higgs field, dark energy and the other stuff you mention in the first post. It is a good way of thinking about the behavior of small masses moving in the vicinity of the black hole; if we limit ourselves to that problem the claim of being supported by G-P coordinates is reasonable.
 
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Thank you!
 

FAQ: Dynamic Space Flow: Exploring the Mysteries of Black Holes

What is a black hole?

A black hole is a region in space where the gravitational pull is so strong that nothing, including light, can escape. It is formed when a massive star dies and its core collapses under its own gravity.

How do black holes affect space and time?

Black holes are believed to warp the fabric of space and time, creating a phenomenon known as "spacetime curvature". This means that objects near a black hole experience time differently and can appear to be stretched or distorted due to the intense gravitational pull.

Can anything escape a black hole?

No, nothing can escape a black hole once it has crossed the event horizon, which is the point of no return. However, some particles and radiation can escape the black hole's grasp through a process called Hawking radiation.

How do scientists study black holes?

Scientists study black holes through a variety of methods, including observing their effects on nearby objects, detecting X-rays and other radiation emitted from the accretion disk around the black hole, and using mathematical models and simulations to understand their behavior.

Can black holes be used for space travel?

Currently, black holes are not considered a viable option for space travel as they are extremely dangerous and their intense gravitational forces would likely tear any object apart. However, some scientists are exploring the possibility of using black holes for energy generation in the distant future.

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