Black holes can split in two — but only if they spin at extreme speeds

Recent studies indicate that rotating black holes could potentially undergo a fragmentation process, contrary to previous assumptions about mergers. Researchers propose that extremely rapid rotation rates of these black holes are necessary for this division event to occur. The theoretical framework posits that intense rotational forces within the black hole’s spacetime could lead to a separation. This splitting would result in the formation of two smaller black holes with significantly reduced masses. Scientists emphasize that observing such an event remains incredibly challenging due to the extreme conditions involved and the difficulty in detecting these processes.