event horizon

The term "event horizon" is crucial in understanding black holes, representing a boundary beyond which nothing can escape the gravitational pull.

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Definition

C1Astrophysics

(technical, academic)The boundary around a black hole where the escape velocity exceeds the speed of light, making escape impossible.

Example

  • Once a star crosses the event horizon, it is inevitably pulled into the black hole.
  • The event horizon is often depicted as a dark sphere in space.

C1General

(figurative)A point beyond which there is no return or recovery.

Example

  • The company's financial troubles reached an event horizon, beyond which bankruptcy was inevitable.
  • In relationships, trust issues can create an event horizon that makes reconciliation difficult.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "event horizon":

black holeescape velocitywhite holeback hole