Prof. Pablo Laguna, Georgia Tech

"Binary Black Hole Mergers: Formation and Inside the Final Black Hole"

Abstract: Modeling black hole singularities as punctures in space-time is common in binary black hole simulations. As the punctures approach each other, a common apparent horizon forms, signaling the coalescence of the black holes and the formation of the final black hole. I will present results from a study that investigates the fate of the punctures and in particular the dynamics of the trapped surfaces on each puncture.