Does the Event Horizon of a Black Hole Only Form on the Equitorial Plane?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the formation of the event horizon of a black hole, specifically questioning whether it only forms along the equatorial plane or can occur in other orientations. The scope includes theoretical considerations of black hole models, particularly focusing on rotating (Kerr) versus non-rotating (Schwarzschild) black holes.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that event horizons are not limited to the equatorial plane, as they can form all around a black hole.
  • One participant notes that the depiction of event horizons in 2D animations simplifies the complex nature of black holes.
  • There is a discussion about the prevalence of rotating black holes, with some arguing that non-rotating black holes may be rare.
  • Participants mention that fast rotation is necessary to deviate from the Schwarzschild solution, leading to the Kerr solution, but many black holes are still modeled as Schwarzschild due to idealization in physics.
  • Some express uncertainty about the angular momentum loss during star formation into black holes, suggesting that this affects the understanding of black hole types.
  • One participant reflects on their initial misunderstanding regarding the event horizon's relation to the star's rotation and location.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether black holes are predominantly of the Kerr type or if there are significant variations based on mass or formation processes. Multiple competing views remain regarding the characteristics and prevalence of rotating versus non-rotating black holes.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in understanding the processes of angular momentum loss in stars transitioning to black holes, which affects the discussion on the types of black holes and their event horizons.

Khan Wolf
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In every animated depiction of a Black Hole, we are lead to believe that the Event Horizon forms along the Equitorial Plane of the Black Hole. Is this true, or can the Event Horizon form anywhere around the Black Hole?
 
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Welcome to PF!

Hi Khan Wolf! Welcome to PF! :smile:

An event horizon goes all the way round …

those depictions show space as 2D for simplicity. :wink:
 
This is the solution for a rotating [Kerr] black hole. It is logical given it is unlikely non-rotating [schwarzschild] black holes exist.
 
Aha, rotation seems to be quite common!
 
It requires pretty fast rotation to substantially deviate from the Schwarzschild solution and necessitate a Kerr solution. Since black holes generally require contraction, fast rotation is not so uncommon, but many black holes are still modeled in the Schwarzschild way. After all, physics, and especially astrophysics, is all about idealization.
 
Ken G said:
It requires pretty fast rotation to substantially deviate from the Schwarzschild solution and necessitate a Kerr solution. Since black holes generally require contraction, fast rotation is not so uncommon, but many black holes are still modeled in the Schwarzschild way. After all, physics, and especially astrophysics, is all about idealization.

Actually, I seem to recall several papers suggesting that near-maximal spin black holes may actually be commonplace. Of course, this is contingent on understanding how much angular momentum a star loses as it transitions to a black hole. A lot of the underlying processes here are poorly understood, so there's still some work to be done.
 
I wouldn't be surprised if they are not uncommon, but there are many ways to lose angular momentum. It's not even really known how many stars lose so much of their angular momentum when forming, so I'm not sure if enough is known about the black holes either. I would be happy to say that maybe black holes are generally of the Kerr type, and maybe they aren't! And maybe it's different from stellar-mass holes and supermassive ones.
 


To be perfectly honest with all, I actually figured this out shortly after posting the original question. Considering that the gravitaional pull on the Earth and every other object is uniformed. For some reason I was thinking that the Event Horizon was tied into the rotation of the star and its location was on the equator of the star. Also I am an hold hack to this site. Just been absent for a while, but thanks for the re-welcoming and you answer!


tiny-tim said:
Hi Khan Wolf! Welcome to PF! :smile:

An event horizon goes all the way round …

those depictions show space as 2D for simplicity. :wink:
 
By the way, I should mention I'm on a personal quest to make sure that "led to believe" does not turn into "lead to believe", though frankly I'm losing.
 
  • #10
Your efforts have not gone totally unnoticed, Ken.
 
  • #11
I know it's OT, but "lead" is starting to take over! It's too late for "nauseous" and "run the gauntlet", but we can draw the line at "lead."
 

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