Extragalactic astrophysicist and host of PBS Space Time, Matt O'Dowd, discusses supermassive black holes, Planck lengths, and the gravitational wave background. Topics include falling into a black hole, exploring supermassive black holes, gravitational lenses, dark energy mysteries, and cosmic expansion. The conversation delves into the limits of measuring space distances and the endless possibilities of human inquiry into the cosmos.
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Quick takeaways
Supermassive black holes could form from collapsing gas clouds in early universe due to purity of gases.
Observations suggest the possibility of clusters of black holes in the core of the Milky Way.
Deep dives
Formation of Supermassive Black Holes in the Early Universe
In the early universe, the formation of supermassive black holes could have occurred from collapsing clouds of gas and dust. The purity of the gas, mainly hydrogen and helium, prevented fragmentation and allowed the cloud to collapse into a massive singular mass.
Expansion of the Universe and Creation of Matter
The expanding universe does not require additional matter creation to fill in the gaps. The absence of enriched elements in early gases prevented fragmentation, allowing giant clouds to collapse into stars rather than create new matter.
Virtual Event Horizons and Black Hole Formation
Event horizons, like those of black holes, begin as virtual structures within collapsing cores of stars. As neutron stars shrink, virtual event horizons expand and meet the collapsing core, becoming real event horizons when the surface reaches the speed of light.
Clusters of Black Holes in the Galaxy's Core
Observations at the center of the Milky Way suggest the presence of clusters of black holes, possibly thousands of them. These black holes likely accumulated in the core over billions of years, forming a swarm due to their denser nature in galactic centers.
Is space infinitely stretchable? Neil deGrasse Tyson and comedian Chuck Nice explore fan grab bag questions about supermassive black holes, Planck lengths, and the gravitational wave background with extragalactic astrophysicist and host of PBS Space Time, Matt O’Dowd.