Black holes in general relativity
Matt Visser (Victoria University of Wellington)
TL;DR
This paper surveys recent developments at the intersection of general relativity, string theory, and astrophysics, focusing on black hole existence, unitarity of their formation and evaporation, mimicking black holes, and horizon detection.
Contribution
It provides a personal overview of four key questions about black holes, highlighting progress and open issues in theoretical and observational aspects.
Findings
Black holes' existence remains debated.
Black hole formation and evaporation may be unitary.
Possible to mimic black holes with arbitrary accuracy.
Abstract
What is going on (as of August 2008) at the interface between theoretical general relativity, string-inspired models, and observational astrophysics? Quite a lot. In this mini-survey I will make a personal choice and focus on four specific questions: Do black holes "exist"? (For selected values of the word "exist".) Is black hole formation and evaporation unitary? Can one mimic a black hole to arbitrary accuracy? Can one detect the presence of a horizon using local physics?
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