The Universe as Information:
Matter, Light, Energy can all be considered "information." Matter and energy are composed of the same myriad parts. Not atoms, not particles, even smaller. We are approaching String Theory (M-Theory, Strange Theory, whichever you prefer). To be brief, imagine that inside every subatomic particle that makes up matter and energy is a loop of string. The way the loop vibrates and spins determines what kind of particle it is. These strings have zero mass. They exist only partially within our universe (String theory requires at least 17 dimensions of space to work. Strings exist within all of them but we only see them interacting with at least 4). These strings are so small that all they are are bits of information. Therefore, matter and energy (when sifted down) are only points of information which determine what something is.
Also...
It is theorized that matter is annihilated (blown up, converted, not "removed" from existance) when approaching the PNR of a singularity because when moving so close to the speed of light, even tiny variations in velocity are exaggerated. The part of an atom facing the singularity will be moving slightly faster than the leeward side. When traveling at such high speeds, the difference in velocity tears the atom apart.
Knowing this, consider...
The speed of light. The PNR (Point of No Return) of a singularity reaches the speed of light. Beyond this point nothing can be known. Remember Contact? When a person travels at the speed of light, mere moments go by. To anyone not traveling at the speed of light, centuries or more can elapse. If you think about it, if something is moving 0.0000000000001% from the speed of light, millions of years could go by to an outside observer. Since the object is moving at an increasing speed, an increase of such a small incriment to outside observers would make no difference.
And...
Matter/Energy cannot be created nor destroyed. Only converted.
Therefore...
As matter or energy "falls" into a singularity, the strings which make up the subject are stretched. The strings come to a halt just outside (or perhaps directly on) the PNR due to time dialation. Black Holes are already known to obey certain specific rules. Black Holes "evaporate" when their fuel supply runs out. When this happens, the radiation fades to background levels and any information "falling" into the singularity returns in the form of radiation. Information never has the chance to reach beyond the PNR before it is converted into energy (radiation) due to the speeds at which it is moving and interaction with the accretion disk. Therefore, information can never be lost.
It is theorized as an alternative that when a black hole runs out of fuel and evaporates, it "lets go" of any strings held just outside the PNR. Due to time dialation, a near infinite amount of time can pass and the strings will not pass the PNR. Because of this, it is more likely that a black hole will evaporate and release anything outside the PNR long before it has the chance to pass the boundary. But this is unproven and no math has been presented to back it up, but is merely a thought-experiment. String theory and how it interacts with singularities, however DO have large amounts of proofs to back them up.
But please consider that nothing about a black hole is known for sure and string theory is incomplete.
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I tried to be as accurate as I could, but I recalled that from memory. I think I covered it as best I could while being as brief as I can. I left a LOT out. If I got something wrong, I apologise
Cant expect me to recall everything perfectly, can ya?
