Black holes are the universe's Energizer Bunnies. They are the most efficient "machines" for transforming matter into energy through their intense gravitational pull.
For example, the early universe was ablaze with untold supermassive black holes pouring out prodigious amounts of energy from the cores of galaxies. 11 billion years ago the black holes did the heavy lifting by reheating the universe and therefore inhibiting new generations of stars to form in some small galaxies.
As I mentioned in a previous blog, far-advanced technological civilizations might be highly motivated to manufacture their own mini-black holes as the ultimate power sources capable of Herculean feats.
Ironically, mini-black holes would radiate extraordinary amounts of energy quickly because they are so small. They might be the preferred "engine" for propelling a starship at near-light-speed. In fact, the signature of an extraterrestrial starship plying the galaxy may be detectable from Earth.
"Black hole drives" are common in science fiction. In Arthur C. Clarke's 1975 novel Imperial Earth they power interplanetary cruise ships.
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