90% probability of detecting an exploding black hole in next 10 years, study finds

Scientists have reported a 90% probability that an exploding primordial black hole could be detected within the next decade using current telescopes. If this happens, it would confirm the existence of primordial black holes, which are believed to have formed shortly after the Big Bang, nearly 13.8 billion years ago.

The concept of exploding black holes was first suggested by Stephen Hawking, who proposed that black holes emit thermal radiation as they lose mass, known as Hawking radiation. When a black hole evaporates through this process, it is theorized to end in an explosion. Smaller black holes emit more Hawking radiation and lose mass more quickly, which makes them more likely to be detected during these explosions.

A new theoretical model states that if primordial black holes have a small, dark electric charge, their explosions could occur about once every ten years instead of once per 100,000 years. Such explosions may release established particles like electrons, quarks, Higgs bosons, and potential particles beyond the standard model, including candidates for dark matter.

The ability to observe these explosions, according to the research team, is possible with existing space and Earth-based telescopes. Direct detection would help us understand Hawking radiation in-depth, the makeup of the universe, and particles that have so far remained absent from our field of view.

The study was published on September 10 in the journal Physical Review Letters.

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