Understanding BH Singularities - Temporal vs Spatial

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the types of singularities in black hole physics, specifically focusing on the differences between temporal and spatial singularities. Participants explore the definitions and characteristics of these singularities, referencing various metrics and theoretical frameworks.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Jeff inquires about the differences between temporal and spatial singularities and how to identify them.
  • One participant suggests a link for further reading but does not clarify the differences directly.
  • Another participant expresses difficulty in finding specific information regarding the differences in the provided link.
  • A later reply explains that singularities are classified as time-like or space-like based on the nature of geodesic paths near the singularity, referencing the Kerr-Newman and Schwarzschild metrics.
  • This reply also introduces the concept of null singularities, mentioning their existence at the Cauchy horizon for the Kerr-Newman solution.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants have not reached a consensus on the definitions and distinctions between temporal and spatial singularities, with some expressing confusion and seeking clarification.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes references to specific metrics and theoretical constructs, but lacks detailed definitions and may depend on the interpretation of geodesic paths and singularity classifications.

JeffOCA
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Hello

I've read that there are two kinds of singularities : temporals and spatial ones. How can we know the kind of a singularity ? What are the differences between spatial and temporal singularities ?

Thanks,
Jeff
 
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I didn't find any mention to the difference between spatial and temporal singularities. Can you tell me more precisely where you have seen this in the link you give ?
 
Normally singularities are time-like if the geodesic paths immediate to the singularity are time-like which means time is temporal (i.e. temporary, ever changing) as in Kerr-Newman metric, or the singularity is space-like if the geodesic paths immediate to the singularity are space-like which means that space itself is temporal (i.e. not being able to hover at a specific r) as in Schwarzschild metric. There is also the null singularity (or weak singularity) which is predicted to exist at the Cauchy horizon for the Kerr-Newman solution. This link gives a bit more info-

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penrose–Hawking_singularity_theorems
 

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