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A New Geometry for Einstein's Theory of Relativity
A team of mathematicians based in Vienna is developing tools to extend the scope of general relativity.
On the smallest scales, space-time might be “discrete,” or pixelated — broken up into tiny, disconnected bits in the same way that a fluid, while appearing to be a single uniform entity, is actually made up of distinct atoms and molecules. And they’re now part of an ambitious new program — launched last year under the direction of Roland Steinbauer, another University of Vienna mathematician — that aims to provide “a new geometry for Einstein’s theory of relativity and beyond.” Using geometric arguments, he proved that, under certain conditions (such as the presence of a “trapped surface” caused by a collapsing star’s gravitational pull), a singularity will inevitably form — a point where the curvature becomes so intense, and gravity so strong, that even light rays moving away from it cannot escape.
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