Physical concept · Astrophysics
Gravitational Singularity
Cosmology & UniverseActive Research
Definition
A point predicted by general relativity where density becomes infinite and the theory breaks down.
Scientific overview
General relativity predicts that matter collapsing into a black hole, and the Universe running backward to the Big Bang, reach a singularity of infinite density. This is widely understood as a sign that general relativity is incomplete rather than a real physical infinity.
Open questions
- Do real singularities exist, or does quantum gravity resolve them?
Rests on
Related scientists
Related topics
Knowledge connections
- Related toQuantum Gravity
- Related toThe Event Horizon
- Related toQuantum Gravity
- Related toThe Event Horizon
- Depends onGeneral Relativity
- Studied byStephen Hawking
- Required byBlack Hole
- Associated withThe No-Hair Theorem
Sources & references
The primary and reference sources this topic draws on.
- NASANational Aeronautics and Space Administration
Mission data, planetary science, space telescopes, and public-domain imagery.
Most NASA-produced imagery is in the public domain; individual items are checked for usage terms before publication.