Big Think Brian Cox: Why black holes could hold the secret to time and space | Full Interview
Aug 7, 2025
Brian Cox, a renowned physicist and author, delves into the mysteries of black holes, challenging our perceptions of time and space. He discusses their potential role in quantum gravity and the information paradox. The conversation touches on the history of black hole theory, the notion of black holes influencing galaxy formation, and even their implications for future technologies like quantum computing. Additionally, Cox explores profound themes like the rarity of intelligent life in the universe and our responsibility to preserve it, providing a thought-provoking perspective on existence.
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Black Holes Demand Unified Physics
- Black holes force us to unify quantum theory and general relativity for a deeper theory of gravity.
- They are unique astronomical objects demanding a merger of these two pillars of physics.
Time's Strange Behavior at Horizon
- Event horizons mark the boundary beyond which nothing escapes, even light.
- Time appears to stop at the horizon from an outside view but flows normally for a falling observer.
Black Holes Evaporate by Emission
- Hawking radiation causes black holes to emit particles and slowly evaporate.
- Black holes are not eternal prisons; they have a finite lifetime and lose energy over time.
