Astrophysicists Test Einstein's 'No-Hair Theorem' on Black Holes Using Collision Data
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rolph
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Summary
Astrophysicists are testing Einstein's 'no-hair theorem' which states that black holes are defined only by mass and spin, with no other distinguishing features. Using data from hundreds of black hole collision signals detected over the past decade, researchers are searching for evidence of additional characteristics ('hair') that quantum theory suggests might exist. The experimental search has found that if such extra features exist, they must be extremely subtle or 'short' in nature.
Key quotes
· 5 pulledAccording to Albert Einstein’s general theory of relativity, the behavior of a black hole depends on two numbers: how heavy it is, and how fast it is rotating
Black holes are said to have 'no hair' — no features that distinguish them from their fellows with the same mass and spin
With new data, it has started to become possible to test this no-hair conjecture
Astronomers have detected hundreds of signals from colliding black holes over the past 10 years
Quantum theory implies they may have more. Now an experimental search finds that any of this extra 'hair' has to be pretty short
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