What is the shape of a Black Hole?

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    Black hole Hole Shape
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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the shape of black holes, exploring whether they are round, flat, or oval. It touches on theoretical aspects and implications of black hole geometry.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the shape of black holes, asking if they are spherical, flat, or oval.
  • Another participant suggests searching online for descriptions of black hole shapes.
  • Some participants propose that black holes are generally spherical, with the event horizon of rapidly spinning black holes potentially being slightly oblate.
  • It is mentioned that the singularity at the center of a rapidly spinning black hole could be disc-shaped rather than a point, with the possibility that quantum effects may alter this understanding in the future.
  • A link to further discussion on black hole uniqueness is provided for additional context.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the shape of black holes, as participants present different perspectives and hypotheses regarding their geometry.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the nature of black holes and the potential influence of quantum gravity, which remain unresolved.

blackstar5000
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I want to know what is the shape of a Black Hole? Is it round like a globe, or is it flat or oval shaped?
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
google "black hole shape". You will get lots of descriptions.
 
For all practical purposes, black holes are spherical. The event horizon of a rapidly spinning black hole may be slightly oblate. The putative singularity at the center of a rapidly spinning black hole could be disc shaped, as opposed to a point. Chances are good, however, that singularities will be resolved by a correct treatment of quantum effects [i.e., a theory of quantum gravity]. For discussion, see http://www.einstein-online.info/spotlights/bh_uniqueness.
 
Thanks Cronos for the Einstein Link.
 

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