Primordial Black Holes Could Eject Stars and Take Their Place.

Primordial black holes are fascinating remnants of the early universe, formed during the initial stages of cosmic evolution. These enigmatic objects, born out of density fluctuations, wield immense gravitational influence that can disrupt the delicate dance of stellar systems. Recent research suggests that primordial black holes may engage in interactions with binary star systems, potentially leading to dramatic outcomes such as the ejection of a star, replaced by the black hole itself.

The formation of primordial black holes is theorized to have occurred shortly after the Big Bang, distinct from the traditional process of stellar collapse. Ranging in size from subatomic to larger than the Sun, these black holes could play a significant role in the composition of dark matter in the universe. While their contribution to dark matter remains a subject of debate, it is speculated that primordial black holes may constitute up to 10% of dark matter in the planetary mass range.

Research into primordial black holes faces challenges in detection and observation, given their elusive nature. However, studies focusing on their interactions with stellar systems provide valuable insights into their behavior. A recent paper by Badal Bhalla and a team of astronomers delves into the dynamics of primordial black holes interacting with binary systems, exploring intriguing possibilities such as energy exchange leading to distinct outcomes.

Five possible outcomes emerge from the interactions between primordial black holes and stellar binary systems, ranging from the convergence of orbits to the exchange of gravitational influence. The exchange model, in particular, posits intriguing scenarios where a star may be replaced by a primordial black hole within a binary system. This study suggests that such phenomena could manifest in our own Milky Way galaxy, awaiting confirmation through observational data.

The detection and verification of primordial black holes in binary systems hold promise for advancing our understanding of these cosmic entities. By studying their interactions with stars, astronomers aim to unravel the mysteries surrounding primordial black holes and their potential implications for the dynamics of galactic systems. As research progresses, the enigmatic nature of primordial black holes continues to captivate the scientific community, offering new perspectives on the evolution of the universe.

Source: Dancing with invisible partners: Three-body exchanges with primordial black holes