Understanding Black Hole Radiation: The Mystery of Light Escaping Explained

In summary, the belief that light cannot escape from a black hole is widely accepted, despite the observation of gamma and radio wave radiation coming from them. This can be explained by the fact that the expulsion of radiation happens before the event horizon, as a result of a rejection phenomenon that fuels a chain reaction. Hawking Radiation also does not involve anything escaping from inside the event horizon, but rather a negative energy dropping into it while an equivalent positive energy moves away. Additionally, the high temperatures and ionization of accretion disks can also contribute to the emission of radiation before the matter passes the event horizon.
  • #1
Petyab
20
0
Why is it generally acccepted that light can't escape from a black hole when gamma and radio wave radiation has been shown to be coming from them? A way I can think around this is that the expulsion happens before the event horizon and is some sort of rejection phenomenon that fuels a chain reaction. Sorry if that's crossing more into theory. Anybody got answers?
 
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  • #2
Yes, you are correct that the expulsion happens OUTSIDE the EH. NOTHING escapes from inside the EH.

Even Hawking Radiation, which is sometimes misunderstood as being something that radiates from inside the EH, does NOT involve anything coming OUT of the EH, but rather a negative energy dropping into the EH while an equivalent positive energy moves further away from the EH.
 
  • #3
What Phinds said, plus you have to remember that accretion disks get very very hot, ionized, and emit lots of radiation when the matter is in the process of falling into the BH, but before it passes the event horizon.
 

1. What is black hole radiation?

Black hole radiation, also known as Hawking radiation, is a theoretical type of radiation that is emitted by black holes. It is caused by quantum mechanical effects near the event horizon of the black hole, where particles and antiparticles are created and then separated, with one particle falling into the black hole and the other escaping into space.

2. How does black hole radiation relate to the escape of light?

The escape of light is one of the key components of black hole radiation. When particles and antiparticles are created near the event horizon, they can be separated and one may escape into space. This includes photons, which are particles of light. Therefore, black hole radiation is directly related to the escape of light.

3. Why is the understanding of black hole radiation important?

Understanding black hole radiation is important because it helps us to better understand the behavior and properties of black holes, which are some of the most mysterious and fascinating objects in the universe. It also has implications for our understanding of quantum mechanics and the nature of space and time.

4. How was black hole radiation first discovered?

Black hole radiation was first predicted by physicist Stephen Hawking in the 1970s. He used quantum mechanics and general relativity to show that black holes should emit radiation and eventually evaporate over time. While this has not yet been directly observed, there is strong evidence for its existence through observations of black hole behavior and theoretical calculations.

5. Can black hole radiation be harnessed for energy?

At this time, it is not possible to harness black hole radiation for energy. The amount of radiation emitted by a black hole is extremely small and would require a massive amount of energy to capture and use. Additionally, the technology to do so does not currently exist. However, some scientists are exploring the potential of using black holes as a source of energy in the distant future.

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