Big Think Brian Cox: Why black holes could hold the secret to time and space | Full Interview
Aug 26, 2025
Dive into the captivating world of black holes, where their mysterious nature bridges quantum mechanics and general relativity. Discover the fascinating history of these cosmic giants, from early skepticism to scientific acceptance. Learn about escape velocity and the gravitational pull that traps light. Delve into Hawking radiation and its implications for extraterrestrial life, exploring humanity's place in the universe. Finally, ponder the origins of life, consciousness, and alternate realities that may exist beyond our own.
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Black Holes Demand Unified Physics
- Black holes uniquely require us to unify quantum theory and general relativity.
- They are natural sites that demand a deeper theory of space and time.
Time at Black Hole Horizon
- Time behaves differently at a black hole's event horizon depending on your viewpoint.
- An outside observer sees time stop, while an infalling astronaut experiences normal time flow.
Singularity as End of Time
- The singularity inside a black hole is not a place in space but a moment in time.
- It represents the end of time where physics as we know it fails.
