Asymptotically flat space-times: an enigma

作者：Newman Ezra T^*

来源：Classical and Quantum Gravity, 2016, 33(14): 145006.

DOI：10.1088/0264-9381/33/14/145006

• asymptotically
• flat space
• times and its hidden recesses

We begin by emphasizing that we are dealing with standard Einstein or Einstein-Maxwell theory-absolutely no new physics has been inserted. The fresh item is that the well-known asymptotically flat solutions of the Einstein-Maxwell theory are transformed to a new coordinate system with surprising and (seemingly) inexplicable results. We begin with the standard description of (Null) asymptotically flat space-times described in conventional Bondi-coordinates. After transforming the variables (mainly the asymptotic Weyl tensor components) to a very special set of Newman-Unti (NU) coordinates, we find a series of relations totally mimicking standard Newtonian classical mechanics and Maxwell theory. The surprising and troubling aspect of these relations is that the associated motion and radiation does not take place in physical space-time. Instead these relations takes place in an unusual inherited complex four-dimensional manifold referred to as H-space that has no immediate relationship with space-time. In fact these relations appear in two such spaces, H-space and its dual space (H) over bar.

• 出版日期2016-7-21