Definitions

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  • noun astronomy, physics A proposed alternative to black holes that is more consistent with quantum mechanics.

Etymologies

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Blend of gravitational,‎ vacuum, and star

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  • A postulated alternative kind of structure to a standard black hole. Instead of a permeable event horizon it has a thin, dense shell of matter; instead of centring on a point singularity, the vacuum within the shell undergoes phase transition to a Bose-Einstein condensate.

    The name is 'gravastar' rather than the expected *'gravistar' to include the vacuum aspect.

    August 6, 2008

  • The black hole's a drain of ill-fame

    That needs a less ominous name.

    For better PR

    it's gravastar.

    Appearance improved - still sucks the same.

    See also black hole.

    April 30, 2014