How did scientists know about the existance of black holes, how they behave etc… long before getting the very first image of one
In: 188
They have equations. If you have an equation like the ones found in general relativity, you can put different numbers in, and see what results you get. It’s glorified playing around.
At some point, someone saw that if you put certain numbers into the equations of general relativity, it would result in a region of infinite density/zero size. Someone also saw that if you had that region, the gravity would be so strong that there would be an area surrounding it where even light couldn’t escape.
This is a prediction, it only meant the math allowed for it to be possible, it didn’t mean it would ever actually happen.
Think of it like any other equation, if you try to calculate how long a tire will last at different speeds, and you try using 1000 km/h as your speed, you’ll find out that the tire doesn’t last very long at all. That assumes you have an equation that can tell you how long a tire will last based on certain factors.
Latest Answers