LIGO BH Merger & Black Hole Information Paradox

In summary, the conversation discusses the analysis of the LIGO merger detection and its relation to the BH information paradox. The final black hole is found to have a larger surface area than the initial ones, even with the orientation with the largest energy loss in GW. It is concluded that while the gravitational waves may not carry significant information, they do not necessarily need to in order to explain the paradox.
  • #1
andrew s 1905
238
95
Has anyone analysed the LIGO merger detection http://journals.aps.org/prl/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevLett.116.061102 in the context of the BH information paradox?

Is there any evidence that the gravitational waves carried any information that could compensate for the change in areas of the initial BHs and the final BH?

Regards Andrew
 
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  • #2
The final black hole had a much larger surface area than the two initial black holes combined.

Even the orientation with the largest energy loss in GW has an increase in area. The gravitational waves probably don't carry relevant amounts of information, but they don't have to.
 
  • #3
Thanks mfb I should have worked that out for myself.
Regards Andrew
 

1. What is the LIGO BH merger?

The LIGO BH merger refers to the detection of gravitational waves from the merging of two black holes by the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) in 2015. This was the first direct observation of gravitational waves, providing evidence for the existence of black holes and confirming a key prediction of Einstein's theory of general relativity.

2. How does LIGO detect black hole mergers?

LIGO uses a system of two observatories, each consisting of two 4-kilometer-long arms with lasers at each end. When a gravitational wave passes through the observatory, it causes the arms to change length, which is detected by the lasers and recorded by sensitive instruments. By analyzing these signals, scientists can determine the source and characteristics of the gravitational wave, including the merger of two black holes.

3. What is the black hole information paradox?

The black hole information paradox is a theoretical puzzle that arises when considering the fate of information that falls into a black hole. According to the laws of quantum mechanics, information cannot be destroyed, but according to the laws of general relativity, a black hole will eventually evaporate and disappear, seemingly taking the information with it. This paradox has yet to be resolved and is a topic of ongoing research.

4. How does the LIGO BH merger impact our understanding of black holes?

The LIGO BH merger has provided strong evidence for the existence of black holes and has furthered our understanding of their properties and behavior. It has confirmed the predictions of general relativity and has given us a new tool for studying these mysterious objects. It also opens up new possibilities for studying the nature of gravity and the universe as a whole.

5. What are the implications of the LIGO BH merger for future research?

The detection of the LIGO BH merger has opened up a new era of gravitational wave astronomy, allowing us to observe the universe in a completely new way. This has already led to the detection of other gravitational wave events, such as the merger of two neutron stars. It also has the potential to provide new insights into the nature of black holes, dark matter, and the early universe. The ongoing research and discoveries from LIGO and other gravitational wave detectors are likely to greatly impact our understanding of the universe in the years to come.

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