Level: MSci, MSc
Title: The theory behind the images of black holes in the film "Interstellar"
Supervisor:
Research Area: Geometry and Analysis
Description:

The recent film “Interstellar” has become famous, among other things because of the “realistic” depictions of black holes. The mathematical theory behind these images has been known for more than thirty years, but it is only now with the modern computers that it has been possible to bring it to life in a satisfactory manner. The objective of this project is to explore the basic aspects of this theory and perform some simple numerical simulations in a computer algebra system.

Further Reading:
  • J.-P. Luminet, Image of a spherical black hole with thin accretion disk, Astronomy & Astrophysics 75 228 (1979).

A copy of this article can be supplied to interested students on request.

Key Modules:

MTH6132 Relativity (advisable)

Other Information:
Current Availability: Yes