Illustration of a massive exoplanet being consumed from within by a dark matter induced black hole (Photo: Pineterst)
For decades, dark matter has puzzled scientists and making up about 85% of the universe’s total mass it remains invisible yet undeniable its gravitational pull holds galaxies together. A new study published in Physical Review D suggests dark matter might be capable of creating black holes inside planets, consuming them from the inside out. What remains after such a catastrophic event would be a planet sized black hole and eerily similar in mass to the world it devoured.
Cosmic cannibalism researchers developed a theoretical model showing how certain forms of dark matter could concentrate in the dense cores of large and gaseous planets. If these particles are heavy enough and resistant to annihilation, they may collapse under their own gravity, giving birth to miniature black holes.
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The planet's material would be consumed by black holes and which would continue to grow until nothing remained. A planet's destiny may be significantly changed if several black holes formed throughout its lifespan.
This phenomenon is only possible in giant gas planets such as Jupiter like exoplanets and which have the right size, density and temperature to trap dark matter. Scientists suggest that the best places to search for evidence are regions in the Milky Way where dark matter is believed to be especially dense, such as the galactic centre.
If these planets are indeed pulling in dark matter, they could be slowly digging their own cosmic graves.
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Such planetary black holes exist and spotting them is another matter. A black hole formed inside a Jupiter sized planet would measure less than 20 feet across tiny on astronomical scales. Detecting one would require extremely advanced instruments far more sensitive than what we currently have. Researchers believe the discovery of a planet mass black hole would be a breakthrough and providing the strongest evidence yet for superheavy forms of dark matter.
Earthlings can breathe easy the blue planet is safe from this bizarre fate. The worlds may be collapsing into themselves due to dark matter offers a sobering reminder the universe is far stranger and potentially more dangerous.
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