Falling free into black hole is surprizingly differen from just "hovering" above the event horizon. From the falling free observer's point of view the event horizon does not exist. No jolt, nomeasurable change of fabric of space time. Therefore, description of a black hole by freely falling observer exists, and it uses SR (special relativity) to calculate how long for THAT observer takes to reach singularity. Surprisingly, it is a finite time.

So, there ARE mathematical models of "inside" of black hole.

By "size" of black hole scientists mean the value of Schvartshild radius (gravitational radius). This is the distance (as seen by stationary observer far away from black hole)from a black hole center, beyond which light can not leave black hole once it is in. If you do not like words "black hole center", take half of "diameter" as seen by observer.

• Falling into black hole - petersand - September 7, 2001 - 19:48 UTC
• Right on Alex... - bruce - September 7, 2001 - 20:53 UTC
  • correction - bruce - September 7, 2001 - 20:56 UTC