Photon Rings
How do photon rings in black holes help scientists study these cosmic objects?
Photon rings in black holes serve as valuable tools for scientists studying the properties of these cosmic phenomena. Similar to how examining tree branches helps understand a tree's structure, these rings provide insights into the black hole's characteristics and behavior. The series of photon rings, or subrings, function like frames in a movie, each capturing a moment in the history of the visible universe as observed from the black hole's perspective. Together, these rings create a chronological record that allows scientists to piece together information about both the black hole itself and the surrounding cosmos, offering a unique window into the universe's past and present.
Watch clip answer (00:22m)
WION
01:29 - 01:52
How might black holes contain the universe's history?
Black holes may hold the entire history of the universe through their unique properties. Scientists believe that specific black holes, like Poehi, contain rings of light known as photon rings that function similar to frames in a movie, capturing the timeline of cosmic events throughout the visible universe's history. These photon rings essentially record and preserve information about the universe as it evolves. While black holes are typically known for their gravitational pull that prevents even light from escaping, this theory suggests they simultaneously act as cosmic record-keepers, storing the universe's secrets within their mysterious structures.
Watch clip answer (00:13m)WION
00:05 - 00:18
Can black holes help us see into the past or future of the universe?
Based on current research, we may not yet be able to peek into the past or future through black holes, despite their theoretical potential as repositories of the universe's history. Scientists have made progress by imaging black holes and studying their complex structures, particularly photon rings which may contain valuable cosmic information - similar to frames of a film recording universal events. While black holes form after a star's death and potentially store vast amounts of historical cosmic data, the research faces significant limitations and challenges that prevent immediate breakthroughs in this area.
Watch clip answer (00:07m)WION
02:09 - 02:17
How do black holes potentially store the history of the universe?
According to a report in New Scientist, black holes may function as cosmic archives through their photon rings. These rings of light trapped in the black hole's orbit are believed to contain a historical record of the universe. Scientists compare these photon rings to tree rings or frames in a film, suggesting they capture moments from the cosmos over time. Each ring potentially preserves information about the universe at different points in history, effectively storing the universe's timeline within the black hole's gravitational influence. This fascinating concept positions black holes not just as destructive cosmic entities, but as repositories of universal history.
Watch clip answer (00:18m)WION
00:36 - 00:55