A newly published peer-reviewed physics paper presents a significant challenge to the 110-year understanding of black hole singularities, proposing an alternative explanation for what occurs at the centers of these cosmic phenomena. For more than a century, black hole singularities have been mathematically described as points of infinite curvature, a concept many physicists consider unphysical despite its widespread use in theoretical models.
The research, published online January 7, 2026, in European Physical Journal Plus, introduces a mechanical failure condition for spacetime that draws parallels to how materials fail under extreme stress or how fluid models break down at small scales. The paper argues that singularities do not represent physical infinities but instead mark the point where the mathematical description of spacetime becomes inadequate. Using established equations from general relativity, the work identifies a clear threshold where the continuum description of spacetime no longer applies, providing what the author describes as a physically grounded way to understand singularities without invoking infinite quantities.
This theoretical framework maintains all tested predictions of general relativity outside the event horizon, meaning observable black hole behavior remains unchanged. The research was conducted independently and self-funded by theoretical physicist Michael Aaron Cody, who has more than 20 years of self-directed study and 10 years of university work. His work focuses on first-principles approaches to long-standing problems in physics and has been published across multiple peer-reviewed journals and research outlets.
The implications of this research extend beyond theoretical physics, potentially influencing how scientists approach the intersection of quantum mechanics and general relativity. By providing an alternative to the problematic concept of infinite curvature, the framework could help resolve long-standing tensions between different physical theories. The research also offers a more intuitive understanding of extreme gravitational environments, which could inform future studies of cosmic phenomena and the fundamental nature of spacetime.
The paper's availability through preprint servers ensures broader access to the scientific community, facilitating discussion and potential verification of the proposed concepts. As physicists continue to grapple with the mysteries of black holes and the limits of current physical theories, this work represents a significant contribution to ongoing efforts to develop a more complete understanding of the universe's most extreme environments.
