PBS Space Time Season 2017 Episode 12 How Time Becomes Space Inside a Black Hole

PBS Space Time is an educational series that explores concepts related to the universe, physics, space travel, and time, among others. In season 2017, episode 12, titled "How Time Becomes Space Inside a Black Hole," the show's host, Matt O'Dowd, delves into one of the most fascinating phenomena in the field of astrophysics: black holes.

The episode starts by defining what black holes are, and how they form. For those unaware, black holes are regions in space where the gravitational pull is so strong that nothing, not even light, can escape it. This happens when a massive star collapses into itself, creating a singularity - a point of infinite density and gravity.

O'Dowd then explains how black holes present a unique opportunity for physicists to explore the behavior of matter and energy under extreme conditions. Because a black hole's gravity is so intense, time and space become intertwined in ways that we don't see anywhere else in the universe.

To illustrate this idea, O'Dowd takes us on a journey into the heart of a black hole, explaining what happens as we approach the event horizon - the point of no return. He explains how at this point, time appears to slow down, and space seems to stretch infinitely. This effect is known as time dilation, and it happens because of the massive gravitational pull of the black hole.

Once inside the black hole, things get even weirder. O'Dowd explains how at the singularity, time and space seem to exchange places, with time becoming a spatial dimension, and space becoming a temporal one. This is a mind-bending concept that challenges our fundamental understanding of the universe.

To help us wrap our heads around this idea, O'Dowd uses visual aids and analogies, such as comparing the inside of a black hole to a giant whirlpool that swallows everything around it. He also explains how the laws of physics break down at the singularity, making it impossible to predict what happens next.

Throughout the episode, O'Dowd also discusses the various theories and models that scientists have developed to try to explain the behavior of black holes. He talks about how researchers use computer simulations and mathematical models to predict what happens inside a black hole, and how they are looking for ways to test those theories with observations and experiments.

Overall, "How Time Becomes Space Inside a Black Hole" is an engaging and informative episode that provides a fascinating glimpse into the mysteries of the universe. O'Dowd's clear and entertaining explanations make complex concepts accessible to a wide audience, and the stunning visuals and special effects add to the sense of wonder and awe. Whether you're a science enthusiast or just curious about the universe, this episode is definitely worth a watch.