New astrophysical research has brought forth a riveting theory: tiny black holes, possibly formed in the universe's first second, might be hidden within stars, slowly devouring them. These primordial black holes, thought to be relics from the Big Bang, could be the culprits behind the mysterious behavior of some stars observed today.
The research, led by astrophysicist Earl Bellinger at the Max Planck Institute for Astrophysics, suggests black holes, while traversing the galaxy at high speeds, could occasionally get trapped by stars. Although most would zip through like bullets, a few, especially slower ones, might end up embedded in stars.
Detecting these black holes is challenging, yet it could offer profound insights into the early universe and black hole genesis.
According to the study, these mini black holes could either be too small to impact their host stars or large enough to grow by consuming stellar material. The latter scenario could lead to "black hole cannibalism," with the black hole feasting on the star from inside, causing changes in the star's structure and energy output.
14 December 2023, 22:18 GMT
This process might create what are known as "red stragglers," cool red giants that differ from normal aging stars.
The study was published in the Astrophysical Journal