Back in 1795, Pierre-Simon Laplace predicted the existence of stars with such enormous density and mass that the gravity emanating from them does not allow the passing sunlight to reach the earth's surface. However, the astronomical term "black hole" itself came into use only in 1968 thanks to Wheeler, and until that time the name "frozen star" or "collapsar" was used.
Black holes are such areas of space and time in which a gravitational field of such enormous power acts that no object (even a ray of light) can escape from there.
How a black hole appears
The evolution of stars depending on their mass occurs in different ways. Astronomers believe that a star-like black hole is formed due to the collapse of a very massive star. Over time, it burns out hydrogen, then helium, and then the moment “x” occurs, when the severity of the surface layers can no longer be balanced by internal pressure and the process of strong compression of the mass begins. If the mass of the star is from 1.2 to
2.5 times the mass of the Sun, then a powerful explosion will occur. During such a catastrophe, most of the star is thrown out, and the luminosity of the star increases hundreds of millions of times.
Such an outbreak is very rare, according to
at least in our galaxy this happens about once every hundred years. A new and very bright star appears, it is also called the "supernova." However, if after such an explosion the mass of matter is still more than 2.5 solar, then as a result of the action of powerful
gravitational forces , the star is compressed to tiny sizes. After the termination of thermonuclear processes, the star can no longer be in a state of stability - it is completely compressed, and the space zoo replenishes another black hole inaccessible to the eye. This phenomenon occupies the minds of many scientists.
Is a black hole a time machine?
Many scientists are still puzzling over whether or not to use a black hole for
time travel. No one knows what is on the other side of this space funnel. In 1935, Einstein and Rosen proposed the hypothesis that a small section in one black hole could well be connected to another section in another black hole, thus forming a narrow tunnel through space and time.
Based on this theory, astrophysicist Kip Thorne invented an algorithm that, using rigorous mathematical formulas, describes the operating principle and physics of a time machine. However, to build a temporary portal of a modern technological level, alas, is not enough.
At the same time, the authoritative British cosmologist Stephen Hawking believes that an object that has fallen into a black hole does not disappear without a trace - the energy of its mass returns to the universe in the form of information. At one time, S. Hawking's initial theory of black holes was a real breakthrough in astrophysics. Now, according to the new theory, black holes obey the laws of quantum physics. The new theory proposed by S. Hawking makes it impossible to use black holes for temporary travels or movements in space.
Can we see Kip Thorne's time machine, or will we have to put up with Stephen Hawking's theory? As they say, time will tell. In the meantime, it remains only to speculate and hope for new research by scientists.