The universe may hold secrets
that challenge our understanding of physics, and primordial black holes (PBHs)
are among the most fascinating possibilities. These mysterious, ancient
phenomena—hypothetical relics of the early universe—could exist in forms
ranging from hollow planets to microscopic tunnels in the materials we
encounter every day.
A new study, co-led by the
University at Buffalo and published in the Physics of the Dark Universe,
explores unconventional ways to detect PBHs. The findings suggest that while
these elusive black holes have never been observed, their signatures might be
closer than we think—either as hollow planetoids in space or as tiny tunnels in
Earthly substances like glass, metal, or rock.
A Tale of Two
Possibilities: Space and Earth
1. Hollow
Planets in Space
PBHs, theorized to have
formed during the chaotic moments after the Big Bang, are far smaller and
denser than the stellar black holes created by collapsing stars. Researchers
propose that if a PBH were trapped within a celestial object like a planet or
asteroid, it could devour the liquid core, leaving behind a hollow shell.
The study calculated that
such hollow objects could exist only if they were no larger than one-tenth of
Earth's radius. Beyond that size, the shell would collapse under its own
weight. The low-density nature of these objects could make them detectable
through orbital studies, offering a promising new way to identify PBHs.
2. Tunnels in
Everyday Objects
PBHs might also pass through
solid materials, leaving behind straight, microscopic tunnels. These tunnels,
potentially detectable under a microscope, could offer clues to PBH activity
over billions of years. Large, ancient slabs of metal, stone, or even historic
buildings could be examined for these telltale traces.
Though the chances of a PBH
interacting with a specific object are slim—calculated at just 0.000001 for a
billion-year-old boulder—the effort required to search is minimal compared to
the groundbreaking potential of such a discovery.
What If a
Primordial Black Hole Passed Through You?
Fascinatingly, the study
reassures that a PBH passing through a person would likely go unnoticed. Unlike
solid materials, human tissue lacks the tension necessary for a PBH to create
visible damage. Even with its immense kinetic energy, the PBH's speed would
prevent it from causing significant disruption.
A Call for New
Ideas in Physics
The hunt for primordial black
holes is more than a search for exotic phenomena; it’s part of a broader effort
to solve some of physics' greatest mysteries, including the nature of dark
matter. Theoretical physicist Dejan Stojkovic, a co-author of the study,
emphasizes the need for innovative approaches to these challenges, stating, “We
don’t need a straightforward extension of existing models. We probably need a
completely new framework altogether.”
The Next
Frontier
While the evidence for PBHs
remains elusive, the methods proposed in this study represent a significant
step forward. Whether we find hollow planetoids or microscopic tunnels, each
discovery brings us closer to unraveling the secrets of the cosmos.
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