How do we know what happens at the event horizon of a black hole?
A)Physicists have created miniature black holes in the lab.
B)Astronomers have sent spacecraft through the event horizon of a nearby black hole.
C)Astronomers have analyzed the light from matter within the event horizon of many black holes.
D)Astronomers have detected X-rays from accretion disks around black holes.
E)We don't know for sure: we only know what to expect based on the predictions of general relativity.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

We don't have direct observations or measurements of what happens at the event horizon of a black hole. Based on the predictions of general relativity, we expect that matter and radiation crossing the event horizon is trapped and cannot escape, which leads to the formation of an accretion disk and the emission of X-rays. However, our understanding of what happens beyond the event horizon is still incomplete and subject to ongoing research and debate. Physicists have not yet been able to create miniature black holes in the lab, and astronomers have not sent spacecraft through the event horizon of a black hole. While astronomers can analyze the light from matter within the event horizon of black holes, they cannot directly observe what happens at the event horizon itself.

How Do We Know What Happens at the Event Horizon