From: mk_thisisit
Black holes are not merely intriguing astronomical phenomena; understanding them presents a profound challenge in physics and offers fundamental insights into the nature of the universe, space, and time [02:18:00].
The Significance of Black Holes
Researchers initially considered titling a book “Black Holes: The Key to Understanding Everything,” but scaled it back to “The Key to Understanding the Universe” to avoid exaggeration [01:43:00]. However, the entire book explores why understanding black holes is crucial for grasping fundamental aspects of the universe [01:55:00]. Mastering the complexities of black holes could lead to significant advancements in comprehending how space and time operate [02:26:00].
What Happens When Falling Into a Black Hole?
The experience of falling into a black hole depends on its size [05:08:00]. For a very large black hole, the initial fall might seem unremarkable, with no immediate discernible difference in surroundings [02:44:00]. For instance, if one were to fall into a supermassive black hole like the one photographed in the M87 galaxy (millions of solar masses), there would be approximately a day before reaching the end [04:32:00].
Ultimately, as one approaches the singularity of a black hole, the body and even the surrounding space would be stretched to “zero,” causing disappearance [00:40:00], [06:54:00]. This stretching effect would cause the body to be literally torn apart [05:03:00].
The Horizon and Information
A black hole possesses an “edge” or “horizon,” which separates its interior from its exterior [03:20:00]. From the perspective of Einstein’s theory of relativity, anything that crosses this horizon cannot escape [03:30:00], [03:39:00].
The question of whether information can be stored in or retrieved from a black hole is central to ongoing research [02:37:00]. When something falls into a black hole, the information it contains seemingly disappears [07:08:00]. This disappearance of information suggests that time might be an illusion [04:10:00].
The Singularity
The singularity of a black hole is not a specific location in its center, but rather an end point in time [06:43:00], [07:30:00]. According to Einstein’s theory of gravity, at the singularity, entities cease to exist in a fundamental sense, meaning their atoms are not simply moved but vanish [07:40:00].
However, recent research on black holes and information paradox suggests that information might, in fact, be able to return [07:13:00].
The Nature of Space and Time
Einstein’s theory of relativity reveals that space and time are not absolute but rather subjective and plastic [13:08:00]. Space can be curved, and its curvature is caused by the presence of energy and mass, which we perceive as gravity [13:14:00]. This implies that the traditional understanding of a universal clock and a constant arena for movement is incorrect [12:44:00].
There is a contemporary idea that space itself may not exist in the fundamental sense that we perceive it [10:01:00]. Instead, space might be a product of something more fundamental [10:45:00]. This “something” would consist of objects that interact according to specific rules, and their collective effects create the space we experience [11:10:00], [11:38:00].
Regarding time, it is understood as enabling cause-and-effect relationships, where events occur in a logical sequence [09:03:00]. The universe can be viewed as a collection of events linked by causality, where time is not necessarily at the absolute center of this understanding [09:30:00].
Black Holes as Portals to Other Universes?
The question of whether a black hole could serve as a gateway to another universe has two answers:
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Practical Answer (No): All black holes currently known are formed from the collapse of massive stars [14:23:00]. When a large star runs out of fuel, it collapses under its own gravity, and this process continues until the star effectively disappears [14:44:00]. These “real-world” black holes do not offer a path to another universe because the collapsing matter blocks any possibility of passage to another side [15:03:00], [17:05:00]. The singularity acts as an end point [16:22:00].
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Mathematical Answer (Yes, in theory): Mathematical equations describing black holes, derived from Einstein’s theory of relativity, do allow for scenarios where a black hole could provide access to another universe [15:14:00].
- Schwarzschild Solution: Karl Schwarzschild calculated the solution for a non-rotating black hole within months of Einstein’s equations being formulated in 1915 [18:55:00], [19:21:00].
- Kerr Solution: For a spinning black hole, Roger Penrose’s work (presumably referring to the Kerr solution, though not explicitly named for him in the transcript, it describes spinning black holes) shows an interior singularity that resembles a ring [17:51:00]. Mathematics based on Einstein’s physics suggests that one could pass through this ring singularity and emerge into an infinite “other” universe [17:59:00]. This “Kerr universe” concept allows for a “tower” of nested universes, where each is infinitely large and contained within another [18:10:00]. While perfectly consistent mathematically, this “crazy” configuration does not apply to the black holes observed in our universe [18:30:00], [19:47:00].
The Universe as a Giant Quantum Computer
Emerging scientific research suggests that we might live inside something akin to a giant quantum computer [00:00:00], [22:13:00]. This idea stems from studying how information functions within a black hole [22:27:00].
The concept posits that space itself is constructed from fundamental “things” that interact according to the laws of quantum mechanics [21:01:00], [21:18:00]. These “things” behave similarly to qubits, the basic units of quantum computers [21:56:00]. Therefore, space could be composed of entangled qubits [22:06:00].
Nature itself seems to have “discovered” how quantum computers work long ago, suggesting that the laws of nature and the fundamental construction of space are inherently quantum [23:10:00]. Humanity is only now learning the “tricks” nature uses to build reality [23:36:00].
Modern research is exploring how nature utilizes quantum mechanics in biological processes, such as photosynthesis and the functioning of the brain [24:40:00], [24:50:00]. A key challenge in quantum information processing is protecting quantum systems from environmental disturbances [25:06:00]. This makes it intriguing how warm biological systems like plants and brains might perform quantum computations despite being susceptible to vibrations [25:36:00].