In 1974, Stephen Hawking put forward an intriguing idea: Using the principles of quantum physics, he predicted that even though nothing is supposed to escape a black hole’s event horizon, these cosmic beasts can actually emit particles. And by ejecting these particles, black holes will shrink over a very long time, eventually evaporate and possibly explode.
Hawking sparked a debate that has continued for more than 50 years. The idea that black holes evaporate puts two fundamental tenets of physics — general relativity and quantum mechanics — into conflict.
But, assuming that Hawking and others are correct, how would a black hole evaporate, leaving nothing behind? Before we explore this mind-bending idea, it’s important to know that theoretical physicists are still debating how it’s possible. But in the past few decades, a number of potential explanations have emerged for how black holes seem to defy the rules of our universe by disappearing.
“Writer Fuel” is a series of cool real-world stories that might inspire your little writer heart. Check out our Writer Fuel page on the LimFic blog for more inspiration.
