Dynamical transition from a naked singularity to a black hole

We show that a Reissner–Nordström (RN) black hole can be formed by dropping a charged thin dust shell onto a RN naked singularity. This is in contrast to the fact that a RN naked singularity is prohibited from forming by dropping a charged thin dust shell onto a RN black hole. This implies the strong tendency of the RN singularity to be covered by a horizon in favor of cosmic censorship. We show that an extreme RN black hole can also be formed from a RN naked singularity by the same process in a finite advanced time. We also discuss the evolution of the charged thin dust shells and the causal structure of the resultant space–times. a a The statements expressed in this paper are those of the authors and do not represent the views of Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation or its staff.