Is there any black holes in our solar system
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Black Holes in Our Solar System: Current Research and Theories
Introduction to Black Holes in the Solar System
The concept of black holes within our solar system has intrigued scientists and the public alike. While black holes are typically associated with distant galaxies, recent research has explored the possibility of their existence closer to home. This article synthesizes current research on the potential presence of black holes in our solar system, focusing on various hypotheses and observational strategies.
Planet Nine as a Potential Black Hole
One of the most discussed hypotheses is the possibility that the elusive Planet Nine could be a black hole. Researchers have proposed that if Planet Nine is a black hole, it would produce accretion flares from impacts with small Oort Cloud objects. The upcoming Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST) is expected to either confirm or rule out this hypothesis within a year. Additionally, LSST could detect trapped planet-mass black holes out to the edge of the Oort Cloud, providing insights into the dark matter fraction in subsolar mass black holes1 5.
Primordial Black Holes and Dark Matter
Another intriguing possibility is the existence of primordial black holes (PBHs) within our solar system. These black holes could have formed in the early universe and might account for a portion of dark matter. The detection of an excess of 511 keV photons from the Milky Way's center has led to speculation that these photons could be produced by the Hawking evaporation of PBHs. If this is the case, several hundred PBHs could reside within our solar system. Future gamma-ray telescopes like AMIGO or e-ASTROGAM could test this hypothesis3.
Solar-Mass Black Holes from Neutron Stars
Research has also explored the conversion of neutron stars into black holes through the accumulation of dark matter. This process could produce solar-mass black holes that are too light to be formed through conventional stellar evolution. These black holes could exist in binary systems, detectable by gravitational wave observatories like LIGO and VIRGO. The observation or non-observation of such binary mergers could provide crucial insights into the nature of dark matter2 6.
Constraints and Future Observations
While the existence of black holes in our solar system remains speculative, upcoming observational programs and technological advancements hold promise for resolving these questions. The LSST, along with future gravitational wave detectors and gamma-ray telescopes, will play a pivotal role in either confirming or debunking these hypotheses. These observations will not only enhance our understanding of black holes but also provide valuable data on dark matter and the early universe1 3 5.
Conclusion
The possibility of black holes within our solar system is a fascinating area of research that bridges the gap between cosmology and local astrophysics. While current evidence is inconclusive, ongoing and future observational efforts are poised to shed light on this intriguing question. Whether through the detection of accretion flares, gravitational waves, or gamma-ray emissions, the next decade promises significant advancements in our understanding of black holes and their potential presence in our solar system.
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Searching for Black Holes in the Outer Solar System with LSST
LSST will be able to rule out or confirm Planet Nine as a black hole within a year, and could also rule out or confirm the existence of trapped planet-mass black holes in the Oort Cloud.
NonPrimordial Solar Mass Black Holes.
Asymmetric fermionic dark matter can convert a sizable fraction of neutron stars into solar mass black holes, potentially testing the nature of dark matter in binary systems.
Primordial black holes as a dark matter candidate
Primordial Black Holes (PBHs) are a promising dark matter candidate, but current and future constraints on their abundance require further investigation.
Highly CitedSearching for Black Holes in the Outer Solar System with LSST
LSST will be able to rule out or confirm Planet Nine as a black hole within a year, and potentially improve dark matter limits in subsolar mass black holes by orders of magnitude.
Test for the Origin of Solar Mass Black Holes.
Analysis of solar-mass black hole mass distribution in a narrow mass window can provide a powerful test for their origin, with recent LIGO/VIRGO gravitational wave observations suggesting it is unlikely from neutron star implosions.
Primordial black holes from inflaton fragmentation into oscillons
Primordial black holes can form from inflaton fragmentation into oscillons, potentially accounting for all dark matter and potentially producing solar-mass primordial black holes.
Highly CitedBlack holes in the early Universe
Massive black holes formed within the first billion years of the universe, powering luminous quasars and populating galaxy centers today.
Highly CitedThe Formation and Evolution of Massive Black Holes
Massive black holes play a major role in the evolution of galaxies, with their formation about 13 billion years ago and their growth within their host galaxies.
Highly CitedStellar black holes in globular clusters
Stellar black holes of about ten solar masses may form in globular clusters, potentially forming low-mass X-ray binaries in systems of intermediate density.
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