Black hole traveling near the speed of light

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the implications of a black hole traveling at relativistic speeds, specifically v = 0.999999999c, and how this affects the perception of its event horizon. Participants agree that the event horizon does not undergo traditional length contraction due to its nature as a null surface, making it impossible to measure its diameter. Instead, they explore the optical effects and geometrical properties associated with black holes, emphasizing that the horizon itself cannot be observed directly. The conversation concludes that while relativistic effects are significant, they do not conform to classical interpretations of length contraction.

PREREQUISITES
  • General Relativity (GR) principles
  • Understanding of null curves and event horizons
  • Familiarity with Lorentz contraction and relativistic effects
  • Basic knowledge of black hole physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the Aichelburg–Sexl ultraboost and its implications for relativistic objects
  • Investigate the geometry of black holes using Schwarzschild coordinates
  • Learn about the optical effects of black holes, including gravitational lensing
  • Explore the concept of relativistic mass and its role in General Relativity
USEFUL FOR

Astronomers, physicists, and students of theoretical physics interested in black hole dynamics and relativistic effects.

  • #31
rootone said:
The black hole is approaching a speed of c in relation to what?
To the observer
 
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  • #32
To the observer.
... technically you can't just say "the observer" in GR like you can with SR. In SR the observer is usually inertial. Where a black hole is involved, the observer is unlikely to be inertial so you'll see discussion involving distant and close observers, observers free-falling, and so on. Do you mean to ask about a relativistic black hole from the POV of a very distant observer? Perhaps headed directly away or directly towards the observer? Or are you thinking of a black hole passing by so it starts out distant, comes close, but not s close the observer gets gravitationally bound to it, and then retreats?

Did you have a look at the 10-things article about black holes? (See link post 29 above.) - the object that gets observed is probably not going to be a black ball for instance. What are you referring to when you talk about a black hole - the event horizon or the collapsed object that causes the event horizon ... or maybe you mean the light from the accretion disk or the optical effect on the background stars?

As you refine your question - you'll be able to get a better idea of the answers.
 

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