Kruskal–Szekeres coordinates for Kerr metric

In summary, there are Penrose diagrams for the Kerr metric, but they may not fully capture the complexity of the spacetime due to its axial symmetry. One paper even presents Kruskal-like coordinates and multiple Penrose diagrams to better describe the geometry.
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I am having trouble understanding the Kerr metric. One of the things which helped me understand the Schwarzschild metric is the Kruskal–Szekeres coordinates. In particular, the fact that light cones were still at 45 degrees was very helpful, and it was helpful to see that the singularity was a spacelike surface.

Does a similar diagram exist for the Kerr metric?
 
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Yes, I have seen those, but I was hoping for something a little more quantitative and less "schematic".
 
  • #4
Dale said:
Does a similar diagram exist for the Kerr metric?

Section 3.6 of this paper derives Kruskal-like coordinates for Kerr spacetime; section 3.7 presents Penrose diagrams:

https://arxiv.org/pdf/1503.02172.pdf

There is one key thing about Kerr spacetime that the above paper does not appear to mention: a single Kruskal or Penrose diagram, since it only has two coordinates, cannot completely describe the geometry up to symmetries, since Kerr spacetime is not spherically symmetric, it's only axially symmetric. So to fully describe the geometry, up to symmetries, you need multiple Penrose-type diagrams. The most commonly seen one is a diagram of the equatorial plane of Kerr spacetime (that appears to be the one in the above paper), but that by itself doesn't tell you everything.
 
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Related to Kruskal–Szekeres coordinates for Kerr metric

1. What is the Kerr metric?

The Kerr metric is a solution to Einstein's field equations in general relativity that describes the spacetime outside a rotating, uncharged black hole.

2. What are Kruskal–Szekeres coordinates?

Kruskal–Szekeres coordinates are a set of coordinates used to describe the spacetime of a black hole in a way that is free of singularities and allows for an understanding of the entire spacetime, including the interior of the black hole.

3. How do Kruskal–Szekeres coordinates differ from other coordinate systems for the Kerr metric?

Kruskal–Szekeres coordinates are unique in that they cover the entire spacetime of a black hole, including the interior. Other coordinate systems may break down or become singular at the event horizon or inside the black hole.

4. What is the significance of using Kruskal–Szekeres coordinates for the Kerr metric?

Using Kruskal–Szekeres coordinates allows for a better understanding of the overall structure and behavior of a black hole's spacetime, including the ability to study the interior of the black hole.

5. Are Kruskal–Szekeres coordinates applicable to all black holes?

No, Kruskal–Szekeres coordinates are specifically designed for the Kerr metric, which describes a rotating, uncharged black hole. Other types of black holes may require different coordinate systems.

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