Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the nature of black holes, specifically addressing the relationship between the event horizon, the mass of black holes, and how surrounding objects can orbit them as if they possess knowledge of this mass. The inquiry touches on concepts from general relativity and the implications of the "no hair theorem."
Discussion Character
- Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification
Main Points Raised
- One participant questions how stars orbiting a black hole can move correctly without knowing the mass of the black hole, which is thought to be hidden behind the event horizon.
- Another participant introduces the "no hair theorem," suggesting that black holes are characterized by mass, charge, and angular momentum, although the theorem's validity may be uncertain.
- A different participant argues that observers present before the formation of a black hole would know the mass that fell into it, implying that the mass is not a secret, and that the curvature of spacetime reflects this mass.
- It is noted that while mass is conserved, information cannot be sent from inside the event horizon to the outside, which complicates the understanding of how mass influences external orbits.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants present multiple competing views regarding the implications of the event horizon and the nature of black holes, with no consensus reached on the underlying questions posed.
Contextual Notes
The discussion includes assumptions about the "no hair theorem" and the nature of information conservation, which remain unresolved and depend on interpretations of general relativity.