The Oppenheimer–Snyder model emerged from the collaboration between renowned physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer and his graduate student Hartland Snyder at the University of California, Berkeley. This work was crucial in the exploration of general relativity and advanced the understanding of the structure of the universe. During this time, theoretical physics was rapidly evolving, and scientists were increasingly interested in the implications of Einstein's theory of gravity. Oppenheimer and Snyder focused on understanding the fate of massive stars and how they could collapse under their own gravity after exhausting their nuclear fuel.

Their research demonstrated that when a massive star collapses, it could compress its mass into an infinitely dense point known as a singularity, surrounded by an event horizon. This event horizon defines the limits of a black hole, dictating the boundary beyond which nothing can escape. Through mathematical models and rigorous analysis, they articulated the conditions under which these phenomena would occur, effectively laying the groundwork for future research into black holes. Their findings prompted further inquiry into the nature of the universe and contributed immensely to the ongoing dialogue between astrophysics and cosmology.

The publication of their work not only underscored the potential existence of black holes, but also provided a theoretical framework that could be tested against observational evidence. This interdisciplinary approach encouraged subsequent generations of physicists to probe deeper into cosmic phenomena and influenced the trajectory of modern astrophysics, prompting additional inquiries into the extreme conditions surrounding black holes and their effects on the surrounding space-time continuum. As a result, the Oppenheimer–Snyder model remains a pivotal reference point in the literature on black holes and their role in the universe.