Existence of Non-Spinning Black Holes: A Reality Check

Black holes have been a subject of intense study and debate in the realm of astrophysics and cosmology. One intriguing question that has captured the imagination is whether there exist non-spinning black holes. This article explores the current understanding and evidence concerning the existence of such cosmic anomalies.

The Rarity of Non-Spinning Black Holes

Max Fitters posits that there is only one non-spinning black hole, a conjecture that challenges traditional beliefs. The idea that non-spinning black holes might be rare aligns with the common observation that most objects in the universe, from stars to planets, tend to spin due to conservation of angular momentum. Galaxies themselves are often seen rotating, which further supports the notion that a non-spinning black hole would be a rare exception.

Even if we assume that a non-spinning black hole exists, it is highly unlikely to be detected. This is because: Stellar observance: We have never detected a star without rotation. Any star's rotation is measurable through various means, including Doppler shifts, pulsations, and sunspots. Formation challenges: It is nearly impossible to imagine a non-spinning star forming, given the dynamics of solar masses of hydrogen and helium collapsing. Solar winds and the perpetual motion of material around galactic cores further disrupt the possibility of a perfectly aligned cloud of hydrogen and helium. Absorption of matter: Even if a black hole were to form without rotation, it would eventually absorb matter from nearby stars, gas, and planets, which would likely impart a spin to the black hole.

Theoretical Implications

Another perspective comes from the theoretical understanding of black holes, particularly concerning the speed of light at the event horizon. It is argued that a black hole might appear non-spinning due to the unique properties of light and space-time around the event horizon. According to the Wikipedia article on propagation of light in non-inertial reference frames, the local instantaneous proper speed of light is always c (the speed of light in a vacuum), which implies that the coordinate speed of light at the event horizon can be zero, as measured by a distant observer.

However, this does not mean that the local speed can be measured in practical terms. The time required to measure the local speed of light near the event horizon is astronomically long, potentially making it impractical to determine definitively. Moreover, given that nothing can move faster than light, it is challenging to imagine a black hole with zero spin.

Conclusion

The prevailing scientific consensus is that non-spinning black holes are exceedingly rare, if not non-existent. The dynamics of the universe and the mechanics of black hole formation and behavior suggest that any black hole will likely possess a significant spin. Further, the theoretical framework of general relativity and the behavior of light near black holes do not support the existence of truly non-spinning black holes.

Thus, while the idea of a non-spinning black hole may seem intriguing, the evidence and theoretical understanding suggest that such objects are highly improbable, if not impossible, in our current scientific understanding.