- #1
Italian_Mike
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The question is as follows: suppose I throw a metal bar 1m long inside the event horizon of a supermassive black hole of 1 million solar masses. At both ends of the metal bar there is a light source.
(I chose a supermassive black hole to rule out any spaghettification process: with some quick calculations tidal forces on the metal bar would be just 1/1000th of g - so they are negligible - when the bar crosses the event horizon).
So, let's consider the following scheme:
H--------B++++A------------S
Where B++++A is the metal bar, H is the (just crossed) event horizon an S is the singularity in the middle of the black hole.
My question is:
Is it possible for light emitted in A to reach the other end point B of the bar?
From what I know once inside the event horizon all possible space-time curves always lead closer to the singularity, never farther. My opinion is that is not possible for light in A to reach point B.
Now, substitute the metal bar with your head, and A and B with two neurons in your head and the light signal with an electric impulse sent between them. If it is not possible to send signals from A to B then you'll immediately lose conscoiusness and die as soon as you cross the event horizon (you'll die because what happens to the electric signals in your brain will also happen to all your bodily fluids: they'll be never be able to reach the back of your body).
So you'll be quite aware of when the event horizon is located as you'll immediately die.
A mechanical probe powered by electric signals will stop working as well.
Is this picture correct, in your opinion?
Thanks in advance for your reply!
(I chose a supermassive black hole to rule out any spaghettification process: with some quick calculations tidal forces on the metal bar would be just 1/1000th of g - so they are negligible - when the bar crosses the event horizon).
So, let's consider the following scheme:
H--------B++++A------------S
Where B++++A is the metal bar, H is the (just crossed) event horizon an S is the singularity in the middle of the black hole.
My question is:
Is it possible for light emitted in A to reach the other end point B of the bar?
From what I know once inside the event horizon all possible space-time curves always lead closer to the singularity, never farther. My opinion is that is not possible for light in A to reach point B.
Now, substitute the metal bar with your head, and A and B with two neurons in your head and the light signal with an electric impulse sent between them. If it is not possible to send signals from A to B then you'll immediately lose conscoiusness and die as soon as you cross the event horizon (you'll die because what happens to the electric signals in your brain will also happen to all your bodily fluids: they'll be never be able to reach the back of your body).
So you'll be quite aware of when the event horizon is located as you'll immediately die.
A mechanical probe powered by electric signals will stop working as well.
Is this picture correct, in your opinion?
Thanks in advance for your reply!