- Dr Jon Heras
- Black hole singularity for energy generation
- Anim./Multimedia-D/Exhibits
Conceptual computer artwork illustrating Stephen Hawking's theoretical generation of energy from a black hole. Energy fluctuations in the vacuum cause the spontaneous generation of particles and anti-particles, which would normally self-anhiliate. At the event horizon, however, one particle could escape and the other be captured by the black hole's gravity. This emitted particle forms Hawking Radiation, the process by which black holes can slowly evaporate. The smaller the black hole, the faster it emits Hawking Radiation, and the faster it will evaporate. Hence, for maximum power output, a future civilisation would perhaps create small artifical black holes, which would be kept fed with regular matter. The net effect is a very efficient conversion from mass to energy, releasing a collosal amount of energy. For example, a million ton black hole would produce 56 petawatts of Hawking Radiation, the equivalent of 0.62 kg of mass per second.
About the Artist: Dr Jon Heras x
I run Equinox Graphics, a small technical illustration and animation studio in Cambridge, after completing my PhD in engineering, and we have worked for important clients such as Bloodhound SSC, ESA, NASA, Nature, Design Council, Institute of Physics, Institute of Mechanical Engineers, Windfall Films, etc., and have been published in Nature, Science, BMJ, The Lancet, New Scientist, Chemistry World, The Ecologist as well as BBC news and science publications.
Our hands-on science and engineering backgrounds remove the knowledge gap that can frustrate communication on technical projects. We have developed a distinctive style, and our work was recently recognised by Science magazine, being awarded an honourable mention (i.e. runner-up) in their 2011 Science and Engineering Visualization Challenge, which is fiercely fought by artists and scientists alike from around the world.
We have a wide knowledge of both the biological and physical sciences, and can communicate with scientists to ensure accuracy and functionality in our science communication media.