Photon Sphere is a region surrounding a black hole where gravity is strong enough for light to travel in circular paths around the object. Normally, light travels through space along the straightest possible paths, but the extreme curvature of spacetime near a black hole can bend those paths dramatically. At the photon sphere, a photon moving in exactly the right direction could theoretically orbit the black hole rather than immediately escaping or falling inward. These orbits are extremely unstable, meaning even a tiny disturbance would cause the light either to escape outward or plunge toward the black hole. The photon sphere lies outside the event horizon, so it is not itself the point of no return.
Framing Note: Frames are selected by the artist and are included primarily to protect the artwork during handling and transit. Collectors are welcome to reframe the artwork after receipt according to their personal preference.
Material: Mixed Metals
Imperial
Piece: 48" × 36"
Frame: 54" × 42"
Weight: 14 lbs
Metric
Piece: 121.9 × 91.4 cm
Frame: 137.2 × 106.7 cm
Weight: 6.35 kg
Photon Sphere is a region surrounding a black hole where gravity is strong enough for light to travel in circular paths around the object. Normally, light travels through space along the straightest possible paths, but the extreme curvature of spacetime near a black hole can bend those paths dramatically. At the photon sphere, a photon moving in exactly the right direction could theoretically orbit the black hole rather than immediately escaping or falling inward. These orbits are extremely unstable, meaning even a tiny disturbance would cause the light either to escape outward or plunge toward the black hole. The photon sphere lies outside the event horizon, so it is not itself the point of no return.
Framing Note: Frames are selected by the artist and are included primarily to protect the artwork during handling and transit. Collectors are welcome to reframe the artwork after receipt according to their personal preference.
Material: Mixed Metals
Imperial
Piece: 48" × 36"
Frame: 54" × 42"
Weight: 14 lbs
Metric
Piece: 121.9 × 91.4 cm
Frame: 137.2 × 106.7 cm
Weight: 6.35 kg
