No-hair theorems in General Relativity and scalar-tensor theories

Abstract

In the present review, we consider the status of the classification of the vacuum, stationary and asymptotically flat black holes in scalar-tensor gravity. Contrary to the similar problem in general relativity, the black hole classification in scalar-tensor theories is much more challenging due to the very complicated character of the field equations and the very complex mathematical structure of the scalar-tensor gravity as a whole. We review most of the known no-hair results, and where possible new ones, as well demonstrate some of the difficulties that appear in our attempts to classify the black holes within scalar-tensor gravity. The proofs of the theorems and the underlying mathematical techniques are given in sufficient detail. To make the review self-contained we also present the vacuum black hole uniqueness theorems in general relativity and their proofs.