What Happens If You Fall Into A Black Hole
No one really knows what happens if you fall into a black hole. Not a lot is known about them for one simple reason: nothing that gets into a black hole can get out.
What is a Black Hole?
A black hole is a region in space with a very powerful gravitational pull. The gravitational pull is so strong nothing, not even light, can escape it. The point where the pull becomes so strong light can’t escape is known as the event horizon.
This is considered the edge of the black hole. Black holes can’t be seen, but scientists recognize its presence by the way objects in the vicinity move.
What Happens if You Fall into a Black Hole?
The closer you are to the center of the black hole (called the singularity), the greater the pull will be. As you fall, you’ll be sent towards the center.
The closer you get to the middle, the greater the tidal force on your body. The tidal force means the gravity on your head will be stronger than the one around your feet. This is presuming you fall in head first.
The gravitational disparity will rip the body apart. The body’s disintegration process will commence at the weakest point of the body. As the tidal forces grow, the body will be stretched like a noodle and destroyed. The atoms would also be stretched out as they head to the singularity.
Falling into a Small Black Hole
When discussing what happens if you fall into a black hole, the question of how rapid the dissolution is often asked. The prevailing theory is this: if the black hole is small, the person will disintegrate long before reaching the singularity. In fact, most scientists believe dissolution commences at the event horizon. Dissolution will take a few billionths of a second.
Falling into a Large Black Hole
Black holes get bigger the more objects they consume (they have been known to eat up stars and galaxies). However, this also reduces the differences in gravitational pull. This might delay the tidal force needed to destroy the body until you’ve passed the event horizon.
As to what happens if you fall into a black hole that’s huge, the theory is you’ll see warped images of space. Astronauts or aliens watching the black hole won’t see you, but you’ll see them. As the black hole bends the light, your perspective gets distorted.
What Does the Event Horizon Look Like?
If you could stand there, you’ll see things appear twisted and bent. This is because light is being distorted by the black hole.
What does the Singularity Look Like?
Scientists do not know; given the nature of black holes, they are difficult to study.
What Causes the Tidal Forces?
These forces are generated by the curving of space-time. Before you hit the singularity, the tidal forces will stretch the body and tear it apart.
Again, keep in mind that these are just theories as to what happens if you fall into a black hole. Only more research will shed light on the subject.
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