An Extension Principle for the Einstein-Vlasov System in Spherical Symmetry

We prove that “first singularities” in the non-trapped region of the maximal development of spherically symmetric asymptotically flat data for the Einstein-Vlasov system must necessarily emanate from the center. The notion of “first” depends only on the causal structure and can be described in the language of terminal indecomposable pasts (TIPs). This result suggests a local approach to proving weak cosmic censorship for this system. It can also be used to give the first proof of the formation of black holes by the collapse of collisionless matter from regular initial configurations. Communicated by Sergiu Klainerman submitted 15/11/04, accepted 17/02/05