# A Doubt on Hawking Radiation: What Birrell wants to say here?

Well, I know basic General Relativity but I still learning the basics of Quantum Field Theory (therefore without mentions on curved spacetimes). But, I'm trying once and a while to become more used to quantum fields and curved spaces.

Now, the notion of Hawking Radiation is paramount but my knowledge is semi-technical. Reading $$[1]$$, the author said:

At first sight, black hole radiance seems paradoxical, for nothing can apparently escape from within the event horizon. However, inspection of $$(8.36)$$ shows that the average wavelength of the emitted quanta is $$\approx M$$, i.e., comparable with the size of the hole. As it is not possible to localize a quantum to within one wavelength, it is therefore meaningless to trace the origin of the particles to any particular region near the horizon.

What worries me is the final consideration when he says "therefore meaningless to trace the origin of the particles to any particular region near the horizon". So, knowing that phrase from $$[1]$$, I would like to ask:

Hawking Radiation isn't a phenomena that occurs near the Horizon?

$$* * *$$

$$[1]$$ Birrell.N.D. Quantum Fields in Curved Space. page $$264$$.

• Apr 20 at 15:02
• It's not that it occurs somewhere else. It's that because of quantum uncertainty, you can't locate it with more precision than the black hole's size. Apr 20 at 16:03
• Also related: physics.stackexchange.com/q/634972 May 10 at 3:57