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Astrophysics, Cosmology & Relativity

Singularity

A region in spacetime where gravitational curvature and density become infinite, causing classical general relativity equations to break down.

Governing formula Lim (r → 0): R_μνρσ R^μνρσ → ∞
SI unit Infinite Curvature / Density

In depth

Penrose-Hawking singularity theorems prove singularities inevitably form during gravitational collapse in general relativity. Located at the center of black holes and the initial Big Bang state, requiring quantum gravity to resolve.

Examples in the real world

The central gravitational singularity enclosed within the event horizon of a Schwarzschild black hole.