Primordial Black Holes (PBHs) are among the most intriguing topics in the realm of space. They could offer insights into the early universe, the nature of dark matter, and primordial gravitational waves. A convincing study of PBHs could offer a unique opportunity to test Einstein’s theory of general relativity. However, no appropriate PHBs have been noticed so far.
A study at National Dong Hwa University, Taiwan, could hint at new approaches to potentially discover the small PBHs inside hollow asteroids and planets. According to the research, such PBHs could consume the inner liquid core and be searched even with the existing techniques.
A theory in 2023 argued that the main sequence, neutron, and dwarf stars may contain small PBHs in their interiors. The theory states that a PBH can either be captured by a star or trapped in the interior during formation. The gas inside the star could be fueling PHBs.
This study published in Physics of the Dark Universe extends this idea to asteroids and planets. It says PBHs can be captured during or after the formation, and the captured black hole devours on the liquid core. If the solid layer around the core is strong enough to support itself, hollow planets or asteroids are formed.
“If an asteroid, or a moon, or a small planet (planetoid) has a liquid core surrounded by a solid crust, then a small PBH will consume the dense liquid core relatively quickly (within weeks to months). The crust will remain intact if the material is strong enough to support gravitational stress. Thus, we will end up with a hollow structure. If the central black hole is ejected (due to collisions with other objects), the density will be lower than the usual density of a rocky object with a liquid core.” De-Chang and Stojkovic told Universe Today.
If the PBH is fast enough, an eventual collision of the host with an asteroid can separate the black hole. Thus, the existence of straight tunnels in an asteroid could also be a sign of an interaction with a PBH.
By detecting the microchannels these celestial bodies would leave, astronomers could finally confirm the existence of PBHs.
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“In principle, we could look for such micro-tunnels in old rocks, or even glass structures standing for hundreds of years in old buildings. While our estimate gives a very small probability of finding such tunnels, a very low cost and possible huge payoff should be enough to motivate such a search,” says the study.
Scientists reasoned that low-magnitude earthquakes, in addition to the straight tunnels, are a possible signature of a small PBH transit.
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Moreover, researchers think of using polished slabs of metal (on the lines derived by the calculations) and scanning their surface over time. If a straight tunnel suddenly appears on the metal slab, it could be evidence of a passage of a PBH.
Moreover, the study has also stated that a tiny black hole won’t be fatal, even after passing through the human body.
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Journal Reference
- Dai, D., & Stojkovic, D. (2024). Searching for small primordial black holes in planets, asteroids and here on Earth. Physics of the Dark Universe, 46, 101662. DOI: 10.1016/j.dark.2024.101662