This String Theory "Star" Looks And Acts Exactly Like a Black Hole

[Judi Lynn]

20 April 2023
ByMICHELLE STARR



Simulation of two topological stars (left and center) and a topological soliton (right). (Heidmann, Phys. Rev. D., 2023)

Predicted over a century ago as monstrous concentrations of mass that torture the fabric of the Universe into traps of light and information, black holes are now established as objects of fact.

But might every distortion of light we now come across be a certified concentration of infinite density, or should we leave room for the possibility that other exotic breeds of cosmic oddity might look uncannily like a hole in space as well?

Using mathematical modeling preserved for string theory, a trio of physicists from Johns Hopkins University in the US found some objects that look like black holes from afar might be something else entirely up close: a new type of hypothetical exotic star called a topological soliton.

Given string theory is a hypothesis begging for a means to be tested, these strange objects exist only on paper, floating about in the realm of pure mathematics. At least, as far as we know. But even as a theoretical construct, they could help us one day distinguish the true black holes from impostors.

More:
https://www.sciencealert.com/this-string-theory-star-looks-and-acts-exactly-like-a-black-hole

[Easterncedar]

1. Beyond me

But I do like trying to understand! Every now and then I almost get a glimmer of string theory. Thanks for another post making the insomnia worthwhile, Judi Lynn.

[The Magistrate]

2. I Am But A Simple Mouzhik, M'am, And Believe The Priest Though His Words Baffle Me...