A new study from the University of California, Riverside, proposes that dark matter, the mysterious substance comprising about 85% of the universe's matter, could be instrumental in the formation of black holes within exoplanets. Researchers Mehrdad Phoroutan-Mehr and Tara Fetherolf theorize that non-annihilating dark matter particles might accumulate in the dense cores of gas giant exoplanets.
Over immense cosmic periods, this concentration could trigger a gravitational collapse, leading to the birth of a black hole within the planet itself. The study, published in Physical Review D, suggests that superheavy, non-annihilating dark matter particles could be captured by the gravity of these distant worlds. As these particles lose energy and move towards the planet's center, their increasing density may initiate the formation of a miniature black hole.
This groundbreaking concept offers an alternative to previous theories linking planet-sized black holes to the early universe. The formation of such black holes within exoplanets could occur on observable timescales, contingent upon the planet's specific characteristics such as size, temperature, and density. The research indicates that this process could even result in the generation of multiple black holes within a single exoplanet's lifetime.
The researchers emphasize that detecting these phenomena could provide significant validation for models of superheavy, non-annihilating dark matter. While a Jupiter-mass black hole would be approximately 5.6 meters across, rendering it nearly invisible to current instruments, advancements in telescope technology are expected to enhance observational capabilities. Future observatories might possess the sensitivity to detect subtle signatures of dark matter's influence on exoplanets, such as unusual heating or high-energy radiation emissions, offering crucial insights into dark matter's fundamental nature.
This research highlights the potential of exoplanet surveys as a powerful tool in fundamental physics research. By examining the extensive catalog of over 5,000 known exoplanets, scientists may uncover evidence that could reshape our understanding of cosmic evolution and the universe's fundamental fabric.