Black Hole Shadows
A special issue of Symmetry (ISSN 2073-8994). This special issue belongs to the section "Physics".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2026 | Viewed by 43
Special Issue Editors
2. Key Laboratory of Quantum Theory and Applications of MoE, Lanzhou Center for Theoretical Physics, Key Laboratory of Theoretical Physics of Gansu Province, Gansu Provincial Research Center for Basic Disciplines of Quantum Physics, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
Interests: general relativity; gravity in higher-dimensional spacetime; black hole physics; gravitational waves
2. Key Laboratory of Quantum Theory and Applications of MoE, Lanzhou Center for Theoretical Physics, Key Laboratory of Theoretical Physics of Gansu Province, Gansu Provincial Research Center for Basic Disciplines of Quantum Physics, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
Interests: general relativity; classical black hole; black hole thermodynamics; phase transition
2. Key Laboratory of Quantum Theory and Applications of MoE, Lanzhou Center for Theoretical Physics, Key Laboratory of Theoretical Physics of Gansu Province, Gansu Provincial Research Center for Basic Disciplines of Quantum Physics, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
Interests: gravitational waves; numerical relativity; extra dimensions and membrane worlds; black hole physics
2. Key Laboratory of Quantum Theory and Applications of MoE, Lanzhou Center for Theoretical Physics, Key Laboratory of Theoretical Physics of Gansu Province, Gansu Provincial Research Center for Basic Disciplines of Quantum Physics, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
Interests: extra dimension theory; black hole physics; gravitational wave physics
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
The scientific significance of black hole shadows extends to the forefront of modern astrophysics and fundamental physics, offering an unprecedented probe into the most extreme gravitational environments. Manifesting as dark silhouettes against the luminous accretion disks, these shadows provide direct insights into the spacetime geometry and spacetime symmetry near event horizons—a regime where general relativity undergoes its most rigorous experimental validation. The Event Horizon Telescope's (EHT) groundbreaking observations of M87* and Sagittarius A* have revolutionized this field by enabling precise measurements of black hole parameters, including mass and spin, as well as probing the symmetry of shadow and spacetime. Beyond verifying predictions of gravitational lensing and photon orbital dynamics, these studies illuminate the interplay between black hole thermodynamics, magnetohydrodynamic processes in accretion flows, and relativistic jet formation mechanisms. Furthermore, shadow analyses constrain cosmological models by tracing supermassive black hole evolution across cosmic time, while probing potential deviations from classical gravity theories in strong-field regimes. This research not only advances our understanding of extreme astrophysical phenomena but also motivates technological innovations in interferometric imaging for future observatories.
In the research field of black hole shadows, significant advancements have been achieved by astrophysicists and theoretical physicists, alongside explorations of spacetime geometry and symmetry near event horizons and tests of general relativity in extreme gravitational environments. In light of recent extensive developments, the Editorial Board of Symmetry has invited a number of leading experts in this field to contribute to this Special Issue on theoretical advances and underlying challenges related to black hole shadows, and, most importantly, to explore future directions in black hole research.
It is our great pleasure to serve as the Guest Editors of this Special Issue on “Black Hole Shadows”. We are very grateful to all authors who have contributed relevant research and review articles. We expect that this Special Issue will shed light on both theoretical developments and observational studies in the near future. Finally, we thank the Assistant Editors for their valuable support in the editorial process, as well as Symmetry for publishing this Issue.
Prof. Dr. Yu-Xiao Liu
Prof. Dr. Shao-Wen Wei
Dr. Yu-Peng Zhang
Dr. Wen-Di Guo
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- classical black hole
- general relativity
- shadow
- gravitational lensing
- spacetime symmetry
- accretion flows
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