New Theory Proposes Spacetime Breakdown Instead of Infinite Singularities in Black Holes

A newly published peer-reviewed physics paper presents a new explanation for what happens at the centers of black holes, challenging a century-old understanding of singularities. For more than 100 years, black hole singularities have been described as points of infinite curvature in mathematical models, though many physicists consider this description unphysical. The new paper proposes that singularities do not represent physical infinities but instead mark the point where the mathematical description of spacetime breaks down mechanically.

The research introduces a mechanical failure condition for spacetime, drawing analogy to how materials fail under extreme stress or how fluid models fail at small scales. Using established equations from general relativity, the paper identifies a clear threshold where the continuum description of spacetime no longer applies. This framework provides a physically grounded way to understand singularities without invoking infinite quantities that have troubled physicists for decades.

Importantly, the proposed framework does not alter any tested predictions of general relativity outside the event horizon. Observable black hole behavior remains unchanged according to the theory, meaning all current astronomical observations and experimental validations of Einstein's theory remain intact. The research was conducted independently and self-funded, representing a significant theoretical advancement without institutional backing.

The paper was published online January 7, 2026, in European Physical Journal Plus, an international physics journal published by Springer Nature. The published version is available at https://link.springer.com/article/10.1140/epjp/s13360-025-07237-5. A preprint version with free access is also available at https://www.preprints.org/manuscript/202511.1552.

This research matters because it addresses one of the most persistent problems in theoretical physics: the nature of singularities where our current physical laws break down. By proposing that singularities represent breakdowns in mathematical description rather than physical reality, the theory offers a path forward for understanding what happens at the most extreme regions of spacetime. The work could influence future research in quantum gravity and the search for a complete theory of fundamental physics.

The implications extend beyond theoretical interest, as understanding black hole interiors is crucial for reconciling general relativity with quantum mechanics. If singularities are not points of infinite density but rather indicators of where continuum physics fails, this could guide development of new physical theories that apply at all scales. The research represents a significant challenge to conventional thinking while maintaining compatibility with all experimental evidence supporting general relativity.