Is the universe a hologram? The strange physics of black holes | Michelle Thaller | Big Think

Recent questions

• What challenges do black holes pose to current physics theories?

  Black holes present a significant challenge to current physics theories, indicating the necessity for new physics to elucidate their enigmatic nature. The mysteries surrounding black holes, such as what occurs inside them and at their event horizon, have sparked debates within the scientific community. Conflicting information from physics further complicates the understanding of these cosmic phenomena, prompting the exploration of alternative explanations beyond existing theoretical frameworks.

• What happens to information inside black holes?

  The concept of information within black holes is a topic of intense debate among physicists. Some theories suggest that information cannot be destroyed, leading to speculation about the fate of information once it enters a black hole. As black holes absorb everything in their vicinity, including light, they increase in mass and expand their event horizon. This process raises questions about the preservation and potential retrieval of information from within black holes, challenging conventional notions of information storage and retrieval.

• How do black holes absorb matter and increase in mass?

  Black holes possess a unique ability to absorb everything in their vicinity, including matter and energy, which contributes to their increasing mass. As black holes accumulate more material, their gravitational pull intensifies, expanding their event horizon—the point of no return beyond which nothing can escape. This continuous absorption and growth process allows black holes to grow in size and mass, exerting a powerful gravitational influence on their surroundings.

• What is the holographic principle in relation to black holes?

  The holographic principle proposes that black holes may contain a shell of information similar to a hologram, challenging traditional views of the universe and reality. This concept suggests that all the information within a black hole can be encoded on its surface, implying a fundamental connection between the interior and exterior of black holes. By considering black holes as holographic entities, scientists aim to reconcile the mysteries of black hole physics with broader theories of quantum mechanics and gravity, offering new insights into the nature of spacetime and information.

• How do black holes impact our understanding of the universe?

  Black holes play a crucial role in shaping our understanding of the universe, pushing the boundaries of current scientific knowledge and theories. By challenging conventional physics frameworks and posing complex questions about the nature of space, time, and information, black holes offer a unique lens through which to explore the fundamental principles governing the cosmos. The enigmatic properties of black holes, such as their ability to absorb everything and potentially store information as holographic shells, invite researchers to rethink established paradigms and seek innovative solutions to unravel the mysteries of these cosmic phenomena.