| | [[Image:Iu8969hu.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Artist's conception of a binary system consisting of a black hole and a main sequence star. The black hole is drawing matter from the main sequence star via an [[accretion disk]] around it, and some of this matter forms a gas jet.]] | | [[Image:Iu8969hu.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Artist's conception of a binary system consisting of a black hole and a main sequence star. The black hole is drawing matter from the main sequence star via an [[accretion disk]] around it, and some of this matter forms a gas jet.]] |
| − | A '''black hole''' is a theoretical prediction of the [[theory of relativity]], a region of [[spacetime]] into which light and other matter can enter, but out of which nothing can ever emerge. Since not even light escapes, black holes cannot be observed from outside, forcing scientists to search for them by indirect means. Therefore, it is impossible to prove that no black hole exists anywhere, meaning that black holes fail the [[falsifiability]] requirement of science. ("[[Wormholes]]", a similar theoretical concept stemming from [[general relativity]] which may be linked to black holes, are also non-falsifiable.<ref>The prediction of the existence of wormholes, and its naming in 1957, predates the prediction and naming (1967) of a black hole.[http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/14/science/14wheeler.html?pagewanted=print]</ref>) | + | A '''black hole''' is a theoretical prediction of the [[theory of relativity]], a region of [[spacetime]] into which light and other matter can enter, but out of which nothing can ever emerge. As with the related theoretical concept of a "[[wormhole]]",<ref>The prediction of the existence of wormholes, and its naming in 1957, predates the prediction and naming (1967) of a black hole.[http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/14/science/14wheeler.html?pagewanted=print]</ref> it is impossible to prove that no black hole exists anywhere, and thus it fails the [[falsifiability]] requirement of science. Nevertheless, black holes have become an increasingly popular topic for magazines, the science page of the [[New York Times]], and science fiction. |
| | Nevertheless, black holes have become an increasingly popular topic for magazines, the science page of the [[New York Times]], and science fiction. | | Nevertheless, black holes have become an increasingly popular topic for magazines, the science page of the [[New York Times]], and science fiction. |