singularity

A theoretical infinitely small point where the curvature of space-time is infinite. Einstein's General Theory of Relativity predicts that such points may exist in the space-time of our universe, such as at the core of a black hole. The curvature of space-time inside the event horizon of a black hole is so great that nothing, not even light, can escape it; this curvature increases to infinity toward the singularity. As a result, the gravitational tidal forces near the singularity of a black hole are unimaginably strong and will tear anything that enters into thin strands of super-dense spaghetti.