Primordial black hole may be passing through our solar system

Primordial black holes, which formed shortly after the Big Bang, may pass through our solar system once every decade, according to recent research. These black holes are much smaller and lighter than typical black holes and could cause slight gravitational perturbations that scientists could detect. Researchers say tracking these perturbations could shed light on dark matter, an elusive substance believed to make up most of the mass in the universe. While dark matter remains a mystery, some scientists think primordial black holes could account for a large portion of it.

What is a primordial black hole?

Primordial black holes are thought to be as small as a hydrogen atom and much lighter than our sun. Sarah Geller, a theoretical physicist at the University of California, Santa Cruz, explained that these black holes may have formed due to density fluctuations in the early universe. Although these black holes are very small, their gravitational pull is still very strong. Unlike stellar mass black holes, they do not emit detectable light, making them more difficult to find.

Potential gravitational disruption in the solar system

Research suggests that these black holes may pass near planets such as Earth, Mars and Venus once every ten years. Benjamin Lyman, a theoretical physicist at MIT, pointed out that these flybys may cause slight disturbances in the orbits of solar system objects, which can be measured with existing technology.

However, Lehmann cautioned that more precise simulations and models are needed to confirm any of the findings in the journal Physical Review D.

Future research on primordial black holes

The researchers are in discussions with experts at the Paris Observatory to analyze real orbital data from the inner planets. By doing so, they hope to detect any disturbances these black holes may cause and distinguish them from other objects in space. This research opens up the possibility of using gravitational effects to locate primordial black holes and explore the nature of dark matter.