As far back as 1795, Pierre-Simon Laplace predicted the existence of stars with such a huge density and mass that the gravity emanating from them does not allow the sun's rays passing by to reach the earth's surface. However, the astronomical term "black hole" itself came into use only in 1968 thanks to Wheeler, and until that time the name "frozen star" or "collapsar" was used.
Black holes are areas of space and time in which a gravitational field of such enormous power operates that no object (even a ray of light) can escape from there.
How a black hole appears
The evolution of stars, depending on their mass, occurs in different ways. Astronomers believe that a stellar black hole is formed due to the collapse of a very massive star. Over time, it burns out hydrogen, then helium, and then the moment "x" comes, when the severity of the surface layers can no longer be balanced by internal pressure and beginsthe process of strong compression of the mass. If the mass of a star is between 1.2 and 2.5 solar masses, then a powerful explosion will occur. During such a catastrophe, most of the star is thrown out, and the luminosity of the star increases hundreds of millions of times.
This outbreak is very rare, because
at least in our galaxy this happens about once every hundred years. A new and very bright star appears, it is also called a "supernova". However, if after such an explosion the mass of matter is still more than 2.5 solar, then as a result of the action of powerful gravitational forces, the star is compressed to a tiny size. After the end of thermonuclear processes, the star can no longer be in a state of stability - it is completely compressed, and the cosmic zoo is replenished by another black hole inaccessible to the eye. This phenomenon occupies the minds of many scientists.
A black hole is a time machine?
Many scientists are still puzzling over whether or not a black hole can be used for time travel. No one knows what is on the other side of this cosmic funnel. In 1935, Einstein and Rosen hypothesized that a small cut in one black hole could very well be connected to another cut in another black hole, thus forming a narrow tunnel through space and time.
Based on this theory, astrophysicist Kip Thorne invented an algorithm that, using strict mathematical formulas, describes the principle of operation and the physics of a time machine. However, to builda temporary portal of the modern technological level, alas, is not enough.
At the same time, authoritative British cosmologist Stephen Hawking believes that an object that has fallen into a black hole does not disappear without a trace - the energy of its mass returns to the universe in the form of information. At one time, S. Hawking's original theory of black holes became a real breakthrough in the field of astrophysics. Now, according to the new theory, black holes obey the laws of quantum physics. A new theory proposed by S. Hawking makes it impossible to use black holes for temporary travel or movement in space.
Will we see Kip Thorne's time machine or will we have to put up with Stephen Hawking's theory? As they say, time will tell. In the meantime, it remains only to speculate and hope for new research by scientists.
