potential Breakthrough: scientists Detect Possible Signal of Smallest Black Hole Ever Observed
WASHINGTON D.C. - Scientists analyzing data from the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) have potentially detected the gravitational waves produced by the collision of two objects,one of which might potentially be the smallest black hole ever observed. The signal, if confirmed, represents a first-of-its-kind detection and could offer evidence for the existence of “primordial black holes” – those formed in the very early universe.
Gravitational waves, ripples in spacetime predicted by Einstein, are typically detected from the mergers of massive black holes or neutron stars. This newly observed event,however,appears to involve at least one object with a mass considerably below that of our Sun,a size that cannot be explained by the collapse of a star.
“If the object is a black hole smaller in mass then the Sun,it could not be created from a stellar explosion. It had to be formed in a different way,” explained Dr. christopher Berry, a researcher involved in the analysis.
This points to the possibility of a primordial black hole, theorized to have formed from density fluctuations in the immediate aftermath of the Big Bang. “These primordial black holes have long been theorized in various cosmological models, but we don’t know if they exist,” Dr. Berry told IFLScience.”Basically, you get density fluctuations in the early universe. If those get dense enough, they will collapse down and they can collapse down directly to be a black hole.”
While the findings are exciting, scientists are proceeding with caution. The event currently has a false alarm rate of approximately one in 6.2 years – meaning there’s a relatively high probability it might very well be a spurious signal. Binary black hole detections are typically far more certain, with false alarms occurring only every tens of thousands of years or longer.
Researchers are now conducting a more detailed analysis of the signal and the state of the LIGO detectors at the time of detection to rule out any unknown sources of error.Confirmation would be strengthened by detecting light associated with such a collision, or by observing similar events in the future.
“This candidate that we’re talking about is exciting because it seems to be consistent with having subsolar mass components, assuming the signal is real,” Dr.Berry stated. “We can just say there’s a bit of evidence for there being a signal. But then you’ve got to weigh that against your belief that such things exist potentially. this is an exceptional claim. And thus you would want extraordinary evidence in order to be convincing.”
LIGO,responsible for what has been called “the most accurate measurement ever taken by humanity,” has revolutionized astronomy as its first detection of gravitational waves in 2015.This potential discovery, if verified, would add another remarkable chapter to its ongoing story, offering a unique window into the universe’s earliest moments and the enigmatic nature of black holes.
