Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the mass accretion of a black hole at the center of our galaxy due to neutrino flux, exploring the implications of neutrino mass and flux rates over time. It includes calculations and considerations of the physical properties of neutrinos and black holes.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory, Technical explanation, Mathematical reasoning
Main Points Raised
- Corby inquires about the mass a black hole could accrete in a year based on an average neutrino mass of 2.0 eV and the neutrino flux passing through it.
- Another participant suggests calculating the product of neutrino flux and the black hole's cross section, while noting that a neutrino mass of 2 eV exceeds cosmological limits and that stellar neutrinos primarily possess kinetic energy.
- A subsequent post provides specific values for neutrino mass (0.2 eV), black hole radius (13 million kilometers), and area (2.12E+17 square centimeters), leading to a calculated total neutrino flux of 2.12E+28 per second, resulting in an estimated mass increase of 238 grams per year.
- Another participant comments that the neutrino flux is reduced away from stars, but the energies are higher, asserting that even a significantly larger mass increase would be negligible in terms of the black hole's overall mass.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on the significance of the mass increase due to neutrino accretion, with some suggesting it is negligible while others provide calculations that indicate a measurable amount, though still small relative to the black hole's mass.
Contextual Notes
There are assumptions regarding the average neutrino mass and flux values, as well as the conditions under which these calculations are made, which may affect the outcomes. The discussion does not resolve these uncertainties.
Who May Find This Useful
Individuals interested in astrophysics, particularly those studying black holes and particle physics, may find this discussion relevant.