Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the stability of a star with a black hole core, exploring whether such an object can maintain stability over time or if it would inevitably lead to variability, mass loss, or a supernova event. The scope includes theoretical considerations and speculative models related to astrophysics.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Debate/contested
- Conceptual clarification
Main Points Raised
- One participant suggests that if a small black hole were to fall into a star or brown dwarf, it might initiate accretion and fusion in a shell around it, raising questions about the stability of such an object over time.
- Another participant introduces the concept of a quasistar, hypothesizing that an object similar to the one described would likely be unstable and not last long before all gas was accreted.
- A different viewpoint discusses the lack of orbital motion in the gas of a star, arguing that without sufficient angular momentum, the gas would fall into the gravitational potential, leading to collapse into a black hole.
- There is a query about the distinction between the discussed object and a Thorne-Zytkow object, focusing on the absence of a solid surface.
- One participant clarifies that the discussion does not involve a solid surface, emphasizing that the key issue is the lack of opposing pressure to balance gravitational forces.
- A later reply raises the possibility that, given rotation, the 'star' might collapse into an accretion disk.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on the stability of a star with a black hole core, with no consensus reached on whether such an object can be stable or would inevitably collapse.
Contextual Notes
Participants highlight various assumptions regarding pressure, gravitational forces, and angular momentum, which remain unresolved in the discussion.