For decades, scientists believed black holes could only merge because splitting would reduce their total horizon area and violate Stephen Hawking’s area theorem. A study in Physical Review D reveals that an object rotating near its maximum possible speed could theoretically divide without breaking these physical principles. Researchers illustrated this rare division using a mathematical model known as a "pair-of-pants topology." While the calculations demonstrate this split is possible, astronomers have not yet observed the phenomenon in space.
Key points
Extreme rotational speeds near the maximum limit are necessary to enable this theoretical…: Extreme rotational speeds near the maximum limit are necessary to enable this theoretical division.
A split would traditionally violate Stephen Hawking's area theorem by decreasing event ho…: A split would traditionally violate Stephen Hawking's area theorem by decreasing event horizon surface area.
No real-world observation of a black hole splitting in two has ever been recorded.: No real-world observation of a black hole splitting in two has ever been recorded.
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