New research has confirmed Stephen Hawking’s hypothesis on the evaporation of black holes through Hawking radiation, but with a significant modification. The study reveals that the event horizon, previously thought to be crucial for Hawking radiation, is not as important as initially believed. Instead, gravity and the curvature of spacetime have substantial roles in this process. This groundbreaking insight expands the applicability of Hawking radiation to all large objects in the universe, implying that, given sufficient time, everything in the cosmos could eventually evaporate.
The study supports Stephen Hawking’s general notion that black holes gradually dissipate due to Hawking radiation. However, it emphasizes that the presence of an event horizon is not a prerequisite for this radiation phenomenon. Rather, gravity and the curvature of spacetime are responsible for generating such radiation. Consequently, this research suggests that all substantial celestial entities, not limited to black holes alone, could ultimately evaporate through a similar radiative mechanism.
A recent theoretical investigation conducted by Michael Wondrak, Walter van Suijlekom, and Heino Falcke from Radboud University validates Stephen Hawking’s overall perspective on black holes, albeit with some nuances. The research demonstrates that black holes will eventually evaporate due to Hawking radiation, although the event horizon’s significance is not as critical as previously believed. Both gravity and the curvature of spacetime contribute to this radiation process. As a result, all large objects in the universe, including remnants of stars, will eventually undergo evaporation.
Stephen Hawking proposed a compelling explanation for the spontaneous creation and annihilation of particle pairs near the event horizon of a black hole. These particles briefly manifest from the quantum field as a particle and its antiparticle before rapidly annihilating. Occasionally, one particle falls into the black hole while the other escapes, resulting in Hawking radiation. Hawking predicted that this phenomenon would ultimately lead to the evaporation of black holes.
To investigate the significance of the event horizon, the researchers at Radboud University utilized a combination of quantum physics and Einstein’s theory of gravity, reassessing the process described above. They explored the creation of particle pairs around black holes and found that new particles could also arise far beyond the event horizon. According to Michael Wondrak, this study unveils the existence of a new form of radiation in addition to the well-known Hawking radiation.
Walter van Suijlekom explains that the curvature of spacetime significantly influences radiation production even in regions far beyond the black hole. The tidal forces exerted by the gravitational field already separate the particles at these distances. Contrary to previous assumptions that radiation could only occur within the event horizon, this study demonstrates that the presence of the event horizon is not necessary for radiation generation.
Heino Falcke highlights the implications of these findings, stating that objects lacking an event horizon, such as remnants of dead stars and other substantial entities in the universe, also exhibit this type of radiation. Over an extended period, everything in the universe, akin to black holes, would gradually evaporate. This discovery not only alters our understanding of Hawking radiation but also transforms our perception of the universe and its future.
The study was published on June 2 in Physical Review Letters by the American Physical Society (APS).
Reference: “Gravitational Pair Production and Black Hole Evaporation” by Michael F. Wondrak, Walter D. van Suijlekom, and Heino Falcke, 2 June 2023, Physical Review Letters. DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.130.221502
Michael Wondrak is an excellence fellow at Radboud University, specializing in quantum field theory. Walter van Suijlekom is a Mathematics Professor at Radboud University, focusing on the mathematical formulation of physics problems. Heino Falcke, an award-winning Professor of Radio Astronomy and Astroparticle Physics at Radboud University, is renowned for his contributions to predicting and capturing the first image of a black hole.
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FAQ about Hawking radiation
What is Hawking radiation and what did Stephen Hawking predict about it?
Hawking radiation refers to the theoretical radiation that black holes emit. Stephen Hawking predicted that black holes can gradually evaporate over time due to this radiation process.
What is the role of the event horizon in Hawking radiation?
According to the recent research, the event horizon is not as crucial for Hawking radiation as previously believed. The study suggests that gravity and the curvature of spacetime play significant roles in generating this radiation, extending its applicability to all large objects in the universe.
Can all large objects in the universe eventually evaporate?
Yes, the research indicates that all substantial celestial entities, including the remnants of stars, could undergo evaporation over an extended period. The findings suggest that similar to black holes, everything in the universe has the potential to gradually evaporate.
How did the researchers at Radboud University contribute to the understanding of Hawking radiation?
The researchers at Radboud University revisited the process of Hawking radiation and investigated the importance of the event horizon. They demonstrated that the curvature of spacetime beyond the black hole contributes significantly to radiation production. Their findings challenge the previous notion that radiation is only possible within the event horizon.
What are the implications of this research on our understanding of the universe?
This research not only confirms Stephen Hawking’s general idea about black hole evaporation but also expands our understanding of Hawking radiation. It suggests that objects without an event horizon, such as remnants of dead stars, also exhibit this radiation. Consequently, it alters our perception of the universe, implying that over time, everything in the cosmos could eventually evaporate.
More about Hawking radiation
- “Gravitational Pair Production and Black Hole Evaporation” – Link to the article
- Stephen Hawking’s Hawking Radiation Theory – Link to reference
- Radboud University – Link to university website
- Physical Review Letters – Link to journal website
