Black holes and extra dimensions

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between black holes and extra dimensions as proposed by string theory. Participants explore whether the existence of extra dimensions can provide insights into the singularity at the center of black holes and the nature of spacetime in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants inquire if string theory's extra dimensions could illuminate the nature of black hole singularities, suggesting a potential connection between normal spacetime and these hidden dimensions.
  • One participant expresses skepticism about the link between extra dimensions and black hole singularities, questioning the rationale behind such a connection.
  • Another participant discusses the speculative nature of extra dimensions and parallel universes, noting that if they exist, they could be pervasive and not limited to black holes, while also mentioning the idea that high-frequency gravity waves might interact with these dimensions.
  • A participant references a paper by Edward Witten on singularities in string theory, indicating interest in further exploration of the topic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants exhibit a mix of curiosity and skepticism regarding the connection between extra dimensions and black holes. There is no consensus on the validity of these ideas, and multiple competing views remain present in the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the implications of string theory and the nature of extra dimensions, highlighting the speculative aspects of the discussion. There are also references to the lack of proof regarding the existence of extra dimensions and their properties.

AuntyMatter
Messages
6
Reaction score
6
We often hear about string theory requiring extra dimensions over and above our 4D spacetime. Does this shed any light on the singularity which is supposed to exist at the centre of a black hole? Does our normal spacetime simply join the other dimensions in their hidden (curled-up) form?
This is probably nonsense, but if I don't ask I won't know for sure.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
AuntyMatter said:
We often hear about string theory requiring extra dimensions over and above our 4D spacetime. Does this shed any light on the singularity which is supposed to exist at the centre of a black hole?
I've never heard any such suggestion. Why would it?

Does our normal spacetime simply join the other dimensions in their hidden (curled-up) form?
I believe so, but I don't know much about that stuff.
 
String Theory and its offshoot, M-Theory, lead to extra dimensions and parallel universes. There is no proof of either. If the extra dimensions exist, they could be right around you, not just at black holes, and they could be large, not small, but they are inpenetrable by light or matter or electromagnetic waves; however, at black holes, it is postulated that high frequency gravity waves may be able to penetrate these higher order dimensions that lead to parallel (brane) universes. Just speculation , not theory, but Hawking is a big supporter of M-Theory, which he claims is the only candidate for a complete theory of the universe. As I understand it from my readings, otherwise, I don't know much more.
 
Thanks to both of you for your answers
 
AuntyMatter said:
We often hear about string theory requiring extra dimensions over and above our 4D spacetime. Does this shed any light on the singularity which is supposed to exist at the centre of a black hole? Does our normal spacetime simply join the other dimensions in their hidden (curled-up) form?
This is probably nonsense, but if I don't ask I won't know for sure.

Singularities in string theory, Edward Witten

https://arxiv.org/abs/hep-th/0212349
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
5K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
5K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
4K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
6K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
2K