The discussion revolves around the concept of whether black holes can be propelled by ion engines, particularly focusing on the implications of jet asymmetry and Newton's Third Law. Participants explore theoretical velocities, detection methods, and mechanisms of motion related to black holes, including close encounters and supernova events.
Participants express differing views on the possibility of propelling black holes with ion engines, with some supporting the idea and others challenging its feasibility. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the effectiveness of jet propulsion in this context.
Participants highlight limitations in the assumptions made about jet asymmetry and the conditions required for significant velocity changes. The discussion also reflects uncertainty about the mass ejection necessary to achieve the proposed speeds.
cph said:Jet propelled Black Holes by ion engine? Might asymmetry of jets for BH, together with Newton’s Third Law, result in high velocity over time, from an ion engine? Perhaps even several 100 km/s? Might Large Synoptic Telescope detect motion of associated binary massive star?
No, not really. The asymmetry would have to be immense.cph said:Might asymmetry of jets for BH, together with Newton’s Third Law, result in high velocity over time, from an ion engine?
You can't reach those velocites from such a mechanism. To unbind the BH, the partner's supernova would have to eject at least half the mass of the system. You might be able to reach ~ 100 km/s with a strong kick, and high mass ejection.Nik_2213 said:IIRC, if a close binary partner goes supernova, the other partner may be flung off at speeds up to ~ 700 kilometres per second.