A question based on Lawrence Krauss' explanation

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the concept presented by Lawrence Krauss in his talk "A Universe From Nothing," specifically regarding the relationship between quantum fluctuations and the formation of universes. Participants explore the idea of whether black holes could be considered as potential 'universes' and the implications of such a notion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions if black holes could be considered as 'universes' due to their singularities shrinking to an infinitesimally small point, which they relate to Krauss' description of a universe from quantum fluctuations.
  • Another participant asserts that the idea of black holes being universes has been extensively debated and concludes that black holes are not considered to be universes or to cause universes.
  • A later reply acknowledges the complexity of the topic and expresses a desire for more qualified opinions to clarify their thoughts.
  • Another participant notes that the concept of black holes 'birthing' new universes has existed for years but raises concerns about scenarios such as the merging of black holes or their evaporation through Hawking radiation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relationship between black holes and universes, with some arguing against the equivalence while others explore the idea further. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives present.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the complexity and nuances of the topic, indicating that assumptions and definitions may vary, particularly regarding the nature of black holes and their potential role in universe formation.

TRB8985
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Good afternoon gentlemen/women,

I have a question regarding Lawrence Krauss' talk called "A Universe From Nothing" (Which can be found at ). In the talk, Krauss says that quantum fluctuations can produce a universe. He mentions that if we were to observe this happening, the universe from our perspective would get smaller and smaller and smaller, whereas from those inside the new universe would view it expanding exponentially.

Really an amazing thing to discover, coming from someone like myself who's just now going to college for physics. Unfortunately, however, my mind was racing on the subject and I lost some sleep last night over a question that's been going through my mind.

Is it possible that a black hole could indeed be one of these 'universes'? I know that singularities shrink to an infinitesimally small point; wouldn't that be a matching descriptor to what Krauss said? (Of course, I realize we would never be able to see it from the inside, which has my idea turned on his head, because in a way, it might seem like a logical fallacy.)


Are there any out there who can ease my mental torment? =P

Thank you, and all efforts are much appreciated.
 
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The whole issue of "black hole === universe" has been brought up so often here that I think it would be fair to say that the topic has been bludgeoned to death.

No, black holes are not considered to be universes or to cause universes.

EDIT: by the way, welcome to the forum.

I remember watching that video some time back and being very puzzled by the statement that it would appear simultaneously to be expanding AND shrinking based on your frame of reference. I don't get it.
 
Thank you!

I'm sorry to have brought the dead horse topic back to life. I just couldn't shake it out of my head; I needed the thoughts of others much more qualified than I to help make a rational judgement.
 
The idea of black holes 'birthing' new universes has been around for years. I see problems - like what happens to 'baby' when 'mom' merges with another black hole, or merely evaporates via hawking radiation?
 

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