Dynamic Event Horizon: The Effects of Tidal Gravitational Forces on Black Holes

In summary, the tidal gravitational forces caused by a black hole can change the curvature of space, making the region around the black hole dynamic and potentially resulting in a wavy event horizon instead of a perfect sphere. However, this is a complicated topic and there are only a few known solutions to the equations that describe it. It is likely that any distortions to the event horizon would quickly dissipate, resulting in a spherical shape.
  • #1
qwe
25
0
as "tidal gravitational forces" ripple outward, does that not change the curvature of space, making the region around the black hole very dynamic? so wouldn't the event horizon not be a sphere, but rather a wavy dynamic structure? because the "measured gravity" at a specific radius out at any given point would constantly change?
 
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  • #2
NOBODY knows? it has to be in the maths
 
  • #3
Curvature of space is really quite complicated. In fact, we only have a handful of exact solutions to the Einstein Field Equations. Most of the time, people just work with numerical approximations. I have no first hand knowledge of whether passing gravitational distortions would affect the EH of a black hole. I would suspect that it would, but I really have no proof of this.
 
  • #4
so wouldn't the event horizon not be a sphere, but rather a wavy dynamic structure?
I don't have the details at hand, but any perturbation of the EH fades away very quickly, by emitting gravitational waves. It's a matter of seconds for spacetime to calm down and the EH being spherical again.
 
  • #5
if the math actually says it is a matter of seconds, then it would look sort of like a spherical liquid (if we could visualize the EH that is) with a wavy surface
 

Related to Dynamic Event Horizon: The Effects of Tidal Gravitational Forces on Black Holes

1. What is the event horizon?

The event horizon is the boundary surrounding a black hole where the escape velocity exceeds the speed of light. This means that anything inside the event horizon, including light, cannot escape the gravitational pull of the black hole.

2. Can the event horizon move?

No, the event horizon is a fixed boundary and does not move. It is determined by the mass and size of the black hole and remains constant unless the black hole gains or loses mass.

3. What happens if something crosses the event horizon?

If an object crosses the event horizon, it is pulled towards the singularity at the center of the black hole and cannot escape. The object will experience extreme gravitational forces and will eventually be crushed into a singularity.

4. Is the event horizon visible?

The event horizon itself is not visible, as it marks the point where light can no longer escape. However, the accretion disk of material around a black hole can sometimes be seen as it approaches the event horizon and heats up, emitting light and other forms of radiation.

5. Can the event horizon change in size?

The size of the event horizon is determined by the mass and size of the black hole, so it can change if the black hole gains or loses mass. However, this change is not visible to outside observers and does not affect the event horizon's function as the boundary of a black hole.

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