Black hole singularity (Hawking radiation)

Conceptual computer artwork illustrating Stephen Hawking’s theoretical generation of energy from a black hole. Energy fluctuations in the vacuum cause the spontaneous generation of particles and anti-particles, which would normally self-anhiliate. At the event horizon, however, one particle could escape and the other be captured by the black hole’s gravity. This emitted particle forms Hawking Radiation, the process by which black holes can slowly evaporate. The smaller the black hole, the faster it emits Hawking Radiation, and the faster it will evaporate. Hence, for maximum power output, a future civilisation would perhaps create small artifical black holes, which would be kept fed with regular matter. The net effect is a very efficient conversion from mass to energy, releasing a collosal amount of energy. For example, a million ton black hole would produce 56 petawatts of Hawking Radiation, the equivalent of 0.62 kg of mass per second.

Published by

Jon Heras

Cambridge University: Natural Sciences (1998-1999); Masters in Chemical Engineering (1999-2002); PhD in MRI and image processing (2002-2006); Founded Equinox Graphics in 2006, incorporated Equinox Graphics Ltd in 2009. Equinox Graphics Ltd produces stills and animations of all kinds of science and engineering, with a particular emphasis on genetics and space exploration, reflecting my own areas of interest. I have twelve years professional experience (a few years previous as a hobbyist) producing graphics for the space sector, and learning the design and operation of spacecraft to make sure we accurately reflect the capabilities of the spacecraft and scenes. Broad and occasionally deep understanding of areas of science, engineering and computer graphics production, with an intuitive feel for animation, composition, timing, texturing, rendering and compositing. Proficient in Lightwave, Modo, Softimage, After Effects, Fusion, Photoshop and other software. I am always learning new software and techniques, to improve the visual and technical quality of my work. My background in image processing techniques, and data handling occasionally come in useful when talking to scientists, and I can generally convert raw data to formats we can visualise and render.

This artwork is copyright © Jon Heras. All rights reserved.