Black holes spinning near maximum rate could split in two, calculations suggest
New theoretical calculations published in the journal Physical Review D suggest that black holes spinning near their maximum rate could theoretically divide into two smaller entities. While black holes are commonly known to merge, researchers investigated whether the reverse process is physically possible under Einstein's theory of general relativity. The study found a narrow opening for extremely fast-spinning black holes where rapid rotation improves the entropy balance. However, no such splitting event has ever been observed in the universe.
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- ✓ A new theoretical study published in Physical Review D examines whether a single black hole can split into two smaller ones.
- ✓ Calculations show that black holes spinning near their maximum rate could potentially split in two.
- ✓ Rapid rotation can improve the entropy balance to permit fragmentation in a simplified model.
What changed
Researchers published a new theoretical study titled "When Black Holes Admit Pair-of-pants Topologies" in the journal Physical Review D exploring black hole fragmentation.
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Calculations Suggest Rapidly Spinning Black Holes Could Split in Two
New theoretical calculations published in the journal Physical Review D suggest that black holes spinning near their maximum rate could theoretically divide into two smaller entities. While black holes are commonly known to merge, researchers investigated whether the reverse process is physically possible under Einstein's theory of general relativity. The study found a narrow opening for extremely fast-spinning black holes where rapid rotation improves the entropy balance. However, no such splitting event has ever been observed in the universe.
Why it matters
Astrophysicists normally study black holes merging together, making the reverse scenario an unusual theoretical exercise. Investigating whether division is possible helps scientists test the absolute limits of general relativity and thermodynamics. The findings challenge fundamental assumptions about how gravity operates under extreme conditions.
What is confirmed
- A new theoretical study published in Physical Review D examines whether a single black hole can split into two smaller ones.
- Calculations show that black holes spinning near their maximum rate could potentially split in two.
- Rapid rotation can improve the entropy balance to permit fragmentation in a simplified model.
Still unconfirmed
- Allowing fragments to escape leaves only a narrow, near-maximum-spin possibility for black hole division.
What to watch next
- Observational evidence or detection of a black hole splitting event in the universe
- Further research investigating the limits of Einstein's theory of general relativity regarding black hole topologies
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (8)
- Phys.org — Black holes spinning near maximum rate could split in two, calculations suggest
- Interesting Engineering — A black hole splitting in two sounds impossible but physics has a loophole
- The Brighter Side of News — Can a black hole split into two in accordance with Einstein’s general relativity?
- knowridge.com — Could a black hole split in two? - knowridge.com
- interestingengineering.com — A black hole splitting in two sounds impossible but physics ...
- lmany.com — Rapidly Spinning Black Holes Can Split Into Two - lmany.com
- Phys.org — Black holes spinning near maximum rate could split in two, calculations suggest
- tech.yahoo.com — Can a black hole split into two in accordance with Einstein’s general relativity? - Yahoo Tech
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