Mysterious Gravitational Wave Signal Hints at Possible Primordial Black Hole Collision, But Confirmation remains Elusive
WASHINGTON – Scientists analyzing data from the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) have detected a gravitational wave signal, designated S251112cm, that may represent the collision of black holes formed in the early universe – known as primordial black holes. However, researchers caution the signal could also be a false alarm caused by detector interference, with current estimates suggesting a false alarm rate of approximately once every four years.
The potential revelation, announced this week, centers around a signal that doesn’t easily align with known astrophysical processes involving stellar-mass or supermassive black holes. Common black holes typically range from 5 to 100 times the mass of our Sun, forming from the collapse of massive stars, or reside at the centers of galaxies, reaching millions or billions of solar masses.
Primordial black holes, theorized to have formed from dense pockets of matter shortly after the Big Bang, represent a different category. These “non-astrophysical black holes” could have a wide range of masses, from smaller than a coin to very large, and their existence could provide insights into the universe’s evolution and the nature of dark matter. physicist stephen Hawking previously theorized that lower-mass primordial black holes might have evaporated via Hawking radiation soon after their formation.
“If this is true, then this is huge,” said theoretical physicist Djuna Croon of Durham University, in a statement to Science. “This is not an event that can be explained by conventional astrophysical processes.” however, Croon emphasized the uncertainty, stating, “the word ‘if’ is still a big note.”
Gravitational wave astronomer and LIGO team member Christopher Berry noted on Bluesky that the signal “possibly originates from a sub-solar mass source,” further suggesting a non-conventional origin.
Currently,analysis relies on identifying the “murmur” of gravitational waves preceding the potential collision,indicating two objects orbiting each other. Scientists are also searching for accompanying electromagnetic explosions, but the signal’s source area is vast – approximately 6,000 times the diameter of the moon – making pinpointing a corresponding event challenging.
“It truly seems impossible for us to really know without a doubt whether these warnings are real or not,” Croon concluded. Further investigation is needed to confirm the signal’s validity and determine whether it truly represents the first detection of primordial black holes.
