A Black Hole Splitting in Two Sounds Impossible but Physics Has a Loophole
Calculations suggest near-maximal spin could let black holes separate into two, though the authors say the window is narrow.
- A new theoretical study in the journal Physical Review D suggests that rapidly rotating black holes might split into two, a process researchers term "pair-of-pants topologies."
- Black holes do not normally split because the process reduces total entropy, making fragmentation thermodynamically unfavorable, according to lead author Francesco Sannino.
- Rapidly rotating black holes provide a possible loophole, as rotation alters the entropy relationship; if a split occurred, the horizon would form a shape with two "legs."
- The two resulting fragments must also separate rather than immediately fall back together, a requirement that narrows the window for a split to those rotating near maximum rates.
- Scientists are working to quantify splitting probabilities under gravity models beyond Einstein's theory, while hoping to detect indirect signals from tiny primordial black holes using gamma-ray telescopes like Fermi-LAT.
16 Articles
16 Articles
Black holes can split in two — but only if they spin at extreme speeds
Scientists have long known that when two black holes collide, they merge to create a more massive black hole. New research suggests that the opposite may happen too: single black holes may split in two.
A black hole splitting in two sounds impossible but physics has a loophole
The findings could help scientists understand the limits of Einstein's theory of general relativity and investigate whether black holes can behave in ways that challenge our current understanding of the universe.
der Standard AT
der Standard DEBlack holes are able to defy the theory of relativity under special conditions and to split thanks to quantum effects
Black holes spinning near maximum rate could split in two, calculations suggest
Two black holes can collide and merge into one. But could the opposite happen: could a single black hole split into two smaller ones? That question is explored in a new theoretical study: "When Black Holes Admit Pair-of-pants Topologies," published in the journal Physical Review D.
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