Astronomy/black holes

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Expert: - 12/5/2011


Question
What happens to the objects that are swallowed by black holes

Answer
They fall into the singularity (the point of infinite density, temperature, and gravity) at the center of the hole. While falling toward that point they are stretched by tidal forces (the difference between gravitational force at the point on the object closest to the singularity and at the point on the object furthest from the singularity), and sooner or later are torn to pieces. Even atoms and pieces of atoms are torn to pieces just before all their pieces fall into the singularity and become part of it. The objects' mass, charge and any angular motion relative to the "surface" of the black hole are added to those of the black hole, but otherwise there is no reminder of their prior existence.

Astronomy

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Volunteer

Courtney Seligman

Expertise

I can answer almost any question about astronomy and related sciences, such as physics and geology. I will not answer questions about astrology and similar pseudo-scientific rubbish.

Experience

I have been a professor of astronomy for over 40 years, and am working on an online text/encyclopedia of astronomy.

Publications
Astronomical Journal, Publications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific (too long ago to be really relevant, but you could search for Courtney Seligman on Google Scholar)

Education/Credentials
I received a BA in astronomy and physics and a MA in astronomy, both from UCLA. I was working on my doctoral dissertation when I started teaching, and discovered that I preferred teaching to research.

Awards and Honors
(too long ago to be relevant, but Phi Beta Kappa and Sigma Xi still keep trying to get me to become a paying member)

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