Spaghettification

Spaghettification is a term in astrophysics that describes the vertical stretching and horizontal compression of objects into long thin shapes in a very strong non-homogeneous gravitational field; it is caused by extreme gravitational forces that are stronger at the base than at the top. This process is also known as the noodle effect.

Overview

The term "spaghettification" was coined by British astrophysicist Stephen Hawking in his book A Brief History of Time. The process is also referred to as the noodle effect due to the elongated shape that objects take on as they are affected by these extreme gravitational forces.

Process

Spaghettification occurs when an object enters a strong gravitational field, such as that of a black hole. The gravitational force at the object's feet, for example, is much stronger than at its head. This difference in forces stretches the object vertically while compressing it horizontally. In the case of a black hole, the effect is so strong that no object can withstand it, no matter how strong its structural integrity.

Effects

The effects of spaghettification on an object depend on the strength of the gravitational field. In less extreme fields, such as those near a neutron star, the object may remain largely intact, while in the most extreme fields, near a black hole, the object will be stretched into a thin, long strand before it is ultimately torn apart.

In popular culture

Spaghettification has been featured in various forms of science fiction media, often as a consequence of coming too close to a black hole. It is often used to illustrate the immense power of these celestial objects and the extreme effects of their gravitational fields.

See also

• Black hole
• Stephen Hawking
• Gravitational field
• Astrophysics
• Neutron star