Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the nature of gravitation, particularly whether gravitational waves propagate faster than the speed of light (c) and how they interact with black holes. Participants explore theoretical implications, the behavior of gravitational waves in relation to general relativity, and the concept of tachyons.
Discussion Character
- Debate/contested
- Exploratory
- Technical explanation
- Conceptual clarification
Main Points Raised
- Some participants assert that gravitational waves propagate at the speed of light, while questioning if gravitation itself can escape a black hole.
- One participant argues that the gravitational field outside a black hole is already established and does not need to escape, while noting that any changes inside the black hole cannot be communicated outside.
- Another participant challenges the idea that gravitational waves cannot leave a black hole, suggesting that observable black holes indicate they can emit gravitational waves as their mass changes.
- There is a discussion about the nature of the event horizon and whether it is the Schwarzschild radius, with some participants clarifying that the event horizon is the boundary beyond which nothing can escape.
- Speculation arises regarding the behavior of gravitational waves in relation to relativity and whether they are influenced by the curvature of space, similar to photons.
- Some participants introduce the concept of gravitons and speculate on their relationship to gravitational waves, suggesting that gravitational waves may be coherent streams of gravitons.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express multiple competing views regarding the propagation of gravitational waves and their interaction with black holes. The discussion remains unresolved, with no consensus on whether gravitational waves can escape a black hole or how they relate to the speed of light.
Contextual Notes
Participants note that existing theories of gravitation may have explanatory gaps, particularly in extreme conditions such as black holes and the big bang. There is also uncertainty regarding the definitions and implications of gravitational waves and gravitons.