Massive Compact Objects in a Quantum Theory of Gravity

Abstract

A massive compact object is that which forms when a sufficiently massive star collapses. This is commonly taken to be a black hole with a singularity surrounded by a horizon and which evolves by emitting Hawking radiation. In a quantum theory of gravity, singularities are expected to be resolved and the evolutions are expected to be unitary. Assuming that such a theory with these properties exists, and with a few more physically motivated assumptions, we argue that a massive compact object has no singularity (by assumption) and must also have no horizon; otherwise, there may be a loss of predictability in the case of a black hole candidate observed today. With no singularity and also with no horizon, the massive compact object will then evolve as a standard quantum system with large number of interacting degrees of freedom.