On naked singularities in spherically symmetric gravitational collapse

Abstract

We explore the physical nature of the singularity which forms in the gravitational collapse of spherically symmetric pressureless dust with inhomogeneous density distribution (Tolman-Bondi model). We show that in this model the singularity is weak when naked, and it is hidden by an event horizon when strong. Based on these results we arrive at a correct physical interpretation of the strong naked singularities demonstrated in similar collapse scenarios by many authors. We argue that in fact these naked singularities are unphysical and therefore pose no threat to the Cosmic Censorship Conjecture