Testing the No-Hair Theorem with Observations of Black Holes in the Electromagnetic Spectrum
Abstract
According to the no-hair theorem, black holes are uniquely characterized by their masses and spins. In this talk, I will discuss a new framework for testing the no-hair hypothesis. The approach is formulated in terms of a Kerr-like spacetime containing a free parameter in addition to mass and spin. If the no-hair theorem is correct, then any deviation from the Kerr metric has to be zero. I will show how very-long baseline interferometric observations of Sgr A* with the Event Horizon Telescope, timing observations of quasi-periodic variability in galactic black hole binaries with upcoming missions, such as LOFT, as well as spectroscopic observations of relativistically-broadened iron lines with Astro-H and ATHENA-like missions may lead to a series of astrophysical tests of the no-hair theorem.
- Publication:
-
APS April Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- April 2013
- Bibcode:
- 2013APS..APRB10009J