Dynamics of Apparent and Event Horizons

Abstract

We have developed a powerful and efficient new method in numerical relativity for locating the event horizon to high accuracy, making possible the study of horizon dynamics in highly nonlinear black-hole spacetimes. We analyzed and compared evolutions of the apparent and event horizons of both Schwarzschild and Kerr black holes struck by strong bursts of gravitational radiation, and of colliding black holes. In all black-hole spacetimes studied, the horizons oscillate with the quasinormal frequency at late times.