Coalescing Supermassive Black Holes

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the coalescence of supermassive black holes, specifically focusing on the merging of Sagittarius A and the supermassive black hole at the center of the Andromeda galaxy. Participants explore theoretical questions related to the nature of black holes, gravitational waves, and the implications of their properties.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question how two black holes can coalesce if, to an outside observer, nothing comes into contact with a black hole's Schwarzschild radius.
  • There is a suggestion that black holes can coalesce within their own frame of reference.
  • One participant proposes that the Schwarzschild radius is not a constant and can increase.
  • Another participant mentions that while it may take a long time for singularities to merge, the event horizons may merge more quickly.
  • Participants inquire about the possibility of calculating the minimum mass required for an object to fall into a black hole and pass the Schwarzschild radius from an outside observer's perspective.
  • There is a question regarding whether gravitational waves have interference patterns and a claim that gravity is created by matter in motion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express multiple competing views regarding the nature of black hole coalescence and the implications of the Schwarzschild radius, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include unresolved assumptions about the nature of black holes, the conditions under which coalescence occurs, and the mathematical implications of gravitational wave behavior.

shadowoftruth
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Hello all,

I'm currently doing a research paper on the coalescence of two Supermassive black holes (Sagittarius A and the Supermassive black hole at the center of the Andromeda galaxy) and have come across some difficult quandaries.

First since (to an outside observer) nothing ever comes in contact with a Supermassive black hole's Schwarzschild radius, or any black hole's Schwarzschild radius for that matter, how can two black holes coalesce?

Second, if they can coalesce then is it possible to calculate the minimum mass required for an object falling into a black hole to pass the Schwarzschild radius (to an outside observer).

Third, do gravitational waves have interference patterns?

Finally I've heard that gravity is created by matter in motion is this true?
 
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First since (to an outside observer) nothing ever comes in contact with a Supermassive black hole's Schwarzschild radius, or any black hole's Schwarzschild radius for that matter, how can two black holes coalesce?
They will in their own frame.

Finally I've heard that gravity is created by matter in motion is this true?

Gravity waves would be created.
 
shadowoftruth said:
Hello all,
First since (to an outside observer) nothing ever comes in contact with a Supermassive black hole's Schwarzschild radius, or any black hole's Schwarzschild radius for that matter, how can two black holes coalesce?

The Schwarzschild radius is not a constant. It can increase.
 
It may be true it takes forever for the singularities to merge. It is does not take as long for event horizons to merge.
 

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