News by Levels · Level 3 · Student worksheet

Black-Hole Fragmentation Study Identifies Narrow Theoretical Possibilities

Name: __________________________ Date: __________________

Read the story

Physicists have investigated black-hole fragmentation in a Physical Review D paper published on October 22 and presented by SDU on October 23. The work analyses theoretical constraints rather than reporting a detected event.

Thermodynamic rules prohibit ordinary non-rotating black holes from splitting. Near-maximal rotation may offer a limited exception, but requiring the fragments to separate imposes additional restrictions. Mathematical permission alone does not establish that fragmentation actually occurs.

Source: University of Southern Denmark, 2026-10-23. https://www.sdu.dk/en/om-sdu/fakulteterne/naturvidenskab/nyheder-2026/black-hole-in-two

Read and practise

1. What was the method?

   1. Calculations
   2. Direct photography
   3. Observed fragments

2. What must fragments do?

   1. Immediately rejoin
   2. Separate
   3. Stop rotating beforehand

Your turn

Explain the finding and its limit.

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Read online: https://newsbylevels.com/news/black-hole-splitting-theory-study-october-2026/level-3/