A recent study published in the Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics suggests that the universe may have had a secret life prior to the Big Bang. Researchers propose that the universe underwent a period of contraction before the Big Bang, creating black holes that could potentially explain the enigmatic nature of dark matter.
According to the study, the universe first contracted, reaching an extremely dense state before “bouncing” back and entering the expansion phase. This rebound could have profound consequences for our understanding of black holes and dark matter.
The researchers also propose that during the contraction phase, density fluctuations may have given rise to small black holes. These primordial black holes, having survived the rebound and persisting into the current expansion phase, could potentially make up the elusive dark matter that accounts for approximately 80% of the universe’s matter.
Patrick Peter, director of research at the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), explained, “Small primordial black holes can be produced during the very early stages of the universe, and if they are not too small, their decay due to Hawking radiation will not be efficient enough to get rid of them, so they would still be around now. Weighing more or less the mass of an asteroid, they could contribute to dark matter, or even solve this issue altogether.”
If proven true, this bouncing cosmology theory could revolutionize our understanding of the universe, particularly in relation to black holes and dark matter. The existence of these primordial black holes could provide a compelling explanation for the mysterious nature of dark matter.
Researchers are hopeful that upcoming gravitational wave detectors will possess the capability to identify the gravitational waves emitted during the creation of these primordial black holes. If detected, these observations could provide vital evidence supporting the hypothesis that these black holes constitute dark matter.
Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/science/new-study-sheds-light-on-secret-life-of-universe-before-the-big-bang/articleshow/112980296.cms