Brian Cox: Why even Einstein doubted the existence of black holes

Nov 19, 2025

Join renowned physicist Brian Cox as he delves into the enigmatic world of black holes, exploring their role at the intersection of relativity and quantum theory. Cox traces the fascinating history from 18th-century concepts of 'dark stars' to modern debates on black hole formation. He unpacks the implications of event horizons, time dilation, and the singularity, revealing the mind-bending idea of Hawking radiation. Discover why even Einstein had doubts and how these cosmic giants challenge our understanding of reality itself.

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INSIGHT

Black Holes Force Theory Unification

Black holes demand we combine quantum theory and general relativity to progress beyond current physics.
They provide a unique natural laboratory for a quantum theory of gravity.

ANECDOTE

18th-Century 'Dark Stars' Prediction

Mitchell and Laplace independently imagined 'dark stars' whose escape velocity exceeded light speed in the 18th century.
Their Newtonian idea foreshadowed modern black holes but missed relativistic subtleties.

INSIGHT

Schwarzschild's Solution Underpins Black Holes

Schwarzschild found an exact solution to Einstein's equations that models the simplest black hole.
That solution describes the distorted spacetime left behind and forms the theoretical basis for modern black holes.

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"Could black holes be the key to a quantum theory of gravity, a deeper theory of how reality, of how space and time works? Well, I think so." Black holes sit at the crossroads of the two most powerful ideas in physics: relativity and quantum theory. Physicist Brian Cox explains why the mysterious giants force us to confront the deepest questions about space, time, and the structure of reality itself. Cox traces the unlikely history of black hole thought, from the 18th-century notion of “dark stars” to Stephen Hawking’s breakthroughs.

Chapters:- 0:00 What are black holes hiding? 2:29 The history of black holes 3:33 Mitchell and Laplace 5:10 Einstein and black holes 9:35 The implications of black holes 12:49 What lies at the center of a black hole? 16:29 Hawking and modern thought about black holes ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- About Brian Cox: Brian Cox obtained a first class honors degree in physics from the University of Manchester in 1995 and in 1998 a Ph.D. In High Energy Particle Physics at the DESY laboratory in Hamburg. He is now Professor of Particle Physics at the University of Manchester, The Royal Society Professor for Public Engagement in Science and a Fellow of the Royal Society. Brian is widely recognized as the foremost communicator for all things scientific, having presented a number of highly acclaimed science programs for the BBC watched by billions internationally including ‘Adventures in Space and Time’ (2021), ‘Universe’ (2021), ‘The Planets’ (2018), ‘Forces of Nature’ (2016), ‘Human Universe’ (2014), ‘Wonders of Life’ (2012), ‘Wonders of the Universe’ (2011) and ‘Wonders of the Solar System’ (2010). As an author, Brian has also sold over a million books worldwide including ‘Black Holes’, ‘Universal: A Guide to the Cosmos’, ‘Quantum Universe’ and ‘Why Does E=mc2?’ with co-author Professor Jeffrey Forshaw. He has set several world records for his sell-out live tours, including his most recent tour Horizons which has taken in venues across the globe.

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