Theoretical Study Finds Extreme Spin May Allow Black Holes to Split
A new theoretical study suggests that while black holes typically merge, they might split under extreme conditions. Researchers found that rapid rotation could bypass thermodynamic barriers, though the window for such an event is narrow. The study, published in Physical Review D, highlights that this is currently a theoretical possibility rather than an observed phenomenon.
Key points
- A team of physicists, including Francesco Sannino, investigated whether single black holes can split into two.
- Thermodynamics usually prevents this because splitting reduces entropy, a measure of disorder.
- Rapid rotation may create a loophole, but the resulting fragments must separate to avoid re-merging.
- The event horizon would form a 'pair-of-pants topology' during the split.
- Small primordial black holes are considered more likely to split than large astrophysical ones.
- Gamma-ray telescopes like Fermi-LAT could potentially detect indirect signals of such events.
Background
This research builds on recent discoveries regarding black hole behavior, such as the identification of the first Milky Way microblazar in September 2026, which demonstrated how stellar-mass black holes can accelerate particles to extreme energies. While previous studies focused on mergers and jets, this new work explores the reverse process of fragmentation.
How outlets are covering it
All four sources agree on the core findings: entropy normally prevents splitting, but extreme rotation offers a narrow theoretical window. The University of Southern Denmark and AZoQuantum provide detailed author affiliations, noting the involvement of researchers from Naples, Paris, and Denmark. Interesting Engineering emphasizes the implications for testing Einstein’s general relativity, while the primary source focuses on the specific 'trouser-like' geometry of the split. No source reports an actual observed split; all frame it as a theoretical possibility.
Why it matters
Understanding the limits of black hole behavior helps physicists probe the boundaries of general relativity and quantum gravity. If primordial black holes can split, it could explain certain high-energy cosmic phenomena and provide indirect evidence for physics beyond standard models.
What to watch
Researchers are working to quantify the probability of black hole splitting under different gravity models. They plan to use gamma-ray telescopes to search for signals from tiny fragments that might form during mergers or splits.
- Black holes can split in two — but only if they spin at extreme speeds Space
- Kan et sort hul dele sig i to? Syddansk Universitet - SDU
- Black Holes Can Collide And Merge But Can They Do The Opposite And One Split In Two? IFLScience
- A black hole splitting in two sounds impossible but physics has a loophole Interesting Engineering
- What Would It Take to Split a Black Hole? AZoQuantum
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