Black hole uniqueness from a hidden symmetry of Einstein's gravity

A theorem is proven that the only possible exterior solution for a pseudostationary, rotating, electrovacuum black hole with nondegenerate event horizon is the Kerr-Newman solution withM²-J²/M²-Q²>0. A special role played in the proof of this theorem by the hidden symmetry groupSU(1, 2) of Einstein's equations is established.This essay received the third award from the Gravity Research Foundation for the year 1983 [Ed.].