What Is a Black Hole Firewall?

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A black hole firewall is a theoretical concept suggesting that an intense barrier of energy exists at the event horizon of a black hole, potentially incinerating anything that crosses it. This idea stems from the combination of the Unruh Effect and Hawking Radiation, leading to the conclusion that information cannot escape a black hole without being destroyed. The existence of firewalls challenges traditional views of black hole complementarity, which posits that information is preserved. The discussion highlights a need for further exploration and understanding of this phenomenon in the context of quantum mechanics and general relativity. The topic remains a significant area of debate among physicists.
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Hello all,

Cosmic Variance just had a great post up about Black Holes, wherein they were talking about something called the firewall, located at the horizon. I gathered it was a result of the Unruh Effect + Hawking Radiation, and CV seemed to say that this would cause anyone passing the horizon to burn up in flames.

I hadn't heard of this before, and upon doing some quick researching I couldn't find anything helpful. Can anyone explain to me what this 'black hole firewall' is?

Thank you.

P.S. Here is the post: http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/c...on-black-holes-complementarity-and-firewalls/
 
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Ah! Should have searched. Thank you.
 

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