According to the general theory of [[relativity]], a '''black hole''' is a region of [[space]] from which nothing, including [[light]], can escape. It is the result of the deformation of [[spacetime]] caused by a very compact [[mass]]. Around a black hole there is an undetectable [[surface]] which marks the point of no return, called an [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Event_horizon event horizon]. It is called "black" because it absorbs all the [[light]] that hits it, [[reflecting]] nothing, just like a perfect black [[body]] in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermodynamics thermodynamics]. Under the [[theory]] of [[quantum mechanics]] black holes [[possess]] a [[temperature]] and emit [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hawking_radiation Hawking radiation]. | According to the general theory of [[relativity]], a '''black hole''' is a region of [[space]] from which nothing, including [[light]], can escape. It is the result of the deformation of [[spacetime]] caused by a very compact [[mass]]. Around a black hole there is an undetectable [[surface]] which marks the point of no return, called an [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Event_horizon event horizon]. It is called "black" because it absorbs all the [[light]] that hits it, [[reflecting]] nothing, just like a perfect black [[body]] in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermodynamics thermodynamics]. Under the [[theory]] of [[quantum mechanics]] black holes [[possess]] a [[temperature]] and emit [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hawking_radiation Hawking radiation]. |