This chapter explores the intricate dynamics of black holes, focusing on the complexities of orbits and the implications of relativity. It delves into how time is affected by proximity to a black hole and discusses advancements in calculating stable orbits. Through humor and metaphor, the speakers highlight the challenges of understanding black holes while emphasizing the importance of observational data in validating scientific models.
What’s happening just outside a black hole? Neil deGrasse Tyson and co-host Gary O’Reilly travel to Oxford University to explore the mysterious universe of black holes, their accretion disks, magnetic fields, and the impact they have on the world around them with astrophysicist Steve Balbus and theoretical physicist Andy Mummery.
NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/the-updated-physics-of-black-holes-with-steve-balbus-andrew-mummery/
Thanks to our Patrons James Parrish, Sunny Thao, Elizabeth Terveer, Dawson Brandon, Bhanu, William Silverman, John Hutchison, Carl J. Patrizio, MariElsa, Aminah, and Anna Szamosi for supporting us this week.
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