Scientists created a glowing black hole in the lab to test a Stephen Hawking theory

iStock [{ "selector": ".xbisx-a", "duration": "250ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "750ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": "1"} ] }]

SCIENCE

iStock [{ "selector": ".toibf-a", "duration": "250ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "750ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": "1"} ] }] Learn More

SCIENCE

iStock [{ "selector": ".pmfmg-a", "duration": "250ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "750ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(-371px)", "opacity": "1"}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0)", "opacity": "1"} ] }, { "selector": ".pwgwd-a", "duration": "250ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "750ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": "1"} ] }] Learn More

SCIENCE

iStock [{ "selector": ".dawjc-a", "duration": "250ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "750ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": "1"} ] }] Learn More

SCIENCE

iStock [{ "selector": ".auxgb-a", "duration": "250ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "750ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": "1"} ] }] Learn More

The event horizon of a black hole is the area in which no light or matter can escape.

iStock [{ "selector": ".bawlz-a", "duration": "250ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "750ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": "1"} ] }] Learn More

SCIENCE

solarseven/iStock iStock [{ "selector": ".koizc-a", "duration": "250ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "750ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": "1"} ] }] Learn More

SCIENCE

iStock [{ "selector": ".rrkpf-a", "duration": "250ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "750ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": "1"} ] }] Learn More

SCIENCE

iStock [{ "selector": ".cnpzg-a", "duration": "250ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "750ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": "1"} ] }, { "selector": ".zlpcw-a", "duration": "250ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "750ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": "1"} ] }] Learn More

STAY UP-TO-DATE ON THE LATEST ENGINEERING NEWS

[{ "selector": ".wfiwp-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "500ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": "1"} ] }, { "selector": ".wfadw-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "1000ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": "1"} ] }, { "selector": ".sqtfm-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "2000ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": "1"} ] }] Learn more

Scientists created a glowing black hole in the lab to test a Stephen Hawking theory

SCIENCE

BY CHRIS YOUNG

SCIENCE

A team of physicists simulated the event horizon of a black hole in a lab and observed the equivalent of an elusive form of radiation first theorized by Stephen Hawking.

SCIENCE

The new discovery could help the scientific community develop a whole new theory that marries the general theory of relativity with the principles of quantum mechanics.

SCIENCE

Some scientists believe Hawking's radiation could help to bridge the gap between the general theory of relativity and quantum mechanics.

SCIENCE

One of Stephen Hawking's main ambitions was to work toward a unified theory of quantum gravity that could unify the two irreconcilable theories

The event horizon of a black hole is the area in which no light or matter can escape.

SCIENCE

SCIENCE

The trouble is that this radiation is likely far too faint to be detected from Earth.

SCIENCE

That's where the simulated black hole comes in. The group of scientists specifically set out to analyze the properties of Hawking radiation by creating an analog for it in a lab.

SCIENCE

The researchers' model allows for a way to study Hawking's radiation like never before.

STAY UP-TO-DATE ON THE LATEST ENGINEERING NEWS

SWIPE UP TO GET STARTED