Singularity Theorems: An Accessible Reference

In summary, the conversation was about finding a resource that explains the singularity theorems and their relation to the Big Bang. The speaker mentioned reading Hawking's introduction, but was looking for something more accessible and with physical intuition. They also mentioned struggling with understanding Hawking and Ellis' definitions. The conversation ended with a suggestion for checking the beginning of the book for a more understandable explanation of the singularity theorems.
  • #1
jinawee
28
2
I've read Hawking's introduction: http://arxiv.org/abs/hep-th/9409195v1, which are nice. I would like something that explains the other singularity theorems and how they are related to Big Bang. I've tried reading Hawking & Ellis but I can't understand most of the definitions.
 
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  • #2
By "accessible" do you mean understandable without a lot of prerequisite knowledge, as opposed to accessible online and not paywalled?
 
  • #3
bcrowell said:
By "accessible" do you mean understandable without a lot of prerequisite knowledge, as opposed to accessible online and not paywalled?

Yes. Motivating definitions, physical intuition, etc. But it doesn't have totally rigorous.
 
  • #4
Although the main text of Hawking and Ellis is a pretty heavy slog, IIRC there is a very nice preview of the singularity theorems near the beginning of the book, which offered a pretty geometrically transparent argument.
 

Related to Singularity Theorems: An Accessible Reference

1. What are singularity theorems?

Singularity theorems are mathematical theorems that describe the conditions under which a singularity, or a point of infinite density and curvature, will form in a space-time model. These theorems are important in the study of general relativity and the prediction of black holes.

2. Who developed the singularity theorems?

The singularity theorems were developed by physicist Roger Penrose and mathematician Stephen Hawking in the 1960s. Their work built upon the earlier research of physicists Albert Einstein and Alexander Friedmann.

3. What is the significance of singularity theorems?

Singularity theorems have significant implications for our understanding of the universe and its evolution. They provide a framework for predicting the formation of black holes, which are important objects in the study of astrophysics.

4. Are singularity theorems accessible to non-experts?

While the mathematical formalism of singularity theorems may be complex, there are resources available that make them accessible to non-experts. "Singularity Theorems: An Accessible Reference" is one such resource that presents the theorems in a clear and understandable manner.

5. What are some real-world applications of singularity theorems?

Singularity theorems have been used to make predictions about the formation of black holes in our universe. They have also been applied in the study of cosmology and the early universe, as well as in the development of theories for quantum gravity.

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