Space-Time Black Holes: Measuring Warped Space/Time

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the measurement of space/time warped by black holes, exploring the properties of black holes, their effects on spacetime, and the theoretical implications of extreme mass on spacetime curvature.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the possibility of measuring the amount of space/time warped by black holes and seeks sources for existing measurements.
  • Another participant notes that all mass or energy causes curvature of spacetime, with the extent of curvature depending on mass/energy and distance, but admits a lack of mathematical knowledge to calculate it.
  • A participant explains that black holes are defined by mass, charge, and angular momentum, and that knowing these allows for calculations of other properties, including surface gravity, referencing the Schwarzschild solution for non-rotating black holes.
  • There is mention of astronomers observing black holes with significant mass, suggesting that these values can be used in calculations related to gravitational strength.
  • A participant expresses gratitude for the information provided and shares their desire to learn more about astronomy.
  • One participant speculates whether a black hole could have enough mass to curve spacetime in a way that connects to another galaxy.
  • Another participant responds that such a connection would be termed a wormhole, likening them to unicorns due to their unobserved nature.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion contains multiple viewpoints and speculative ideas, particularly regarding the nature of black holes and the concept of wormholes. No consensus is reached on the feasibility of measuring warped spacetime or the existence of wormholes.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying levels of understanding and knowledge about the mathematics involved in measuring spacetime curvature, indicating potential limitations in their discussions.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to individuals exploring concepts in astrophysics, particularly those curious about black holes, spacetime, and theoretical physics.

THADONDARA
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Can the amount of space/time warped by a black hole be measured and if so, where can I find measurements of previously measured black holes?
 
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All things with mass or energy cause curvature of spacetime. The amount of curvature depends on the amount of mass/energy and the distance from it. Unfortunately I do not know the math to calculate all that.
 
Black holes are very special in that the only qualities they possesses are mass, charge, and angular momentum. If you know the value of those three qualities, you can calculate everything else about them, including their surface gravity. For the simplest case, a black hole with no charge and no angular momentum (i.e. non-rotating), the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surface_gravity#The_Schwarzschild_solution" provides a simple result.

Astronomers have observed black holes with masses of 18 billion times that of the Sun; you can plug that value into the Schwarzschild solution and compute the gravitational "strength" of the largest black holes known.

- Warren
 
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Thanks you for your answers they helped a lot i don't know much about astronomy and I am trying to learn and understand as much as i can.
 
Would it be possible that a black hole has some much mass that it curves space/time to connect to another galaxy?
 
That would be called a wormhole. They are sort of like unicorns - never actually observed.
 

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