When exploring the mysteries of outer space, some concepts can feel almost otherworldly, and black holes certainly fit into this category.
To clarify, a black hole is defined by the Oxford Languages dictionary as “a region of space having a gravitational field so intense that no matter or radiation can escape.”
While many people consider black holes as distant phenomena, some scientists propose a theory that smaller versions may exist and could pass through us without notice.
This idea is likely new to most people.
These smaller black holes are called ‘primordial’ black holes (PBH), with masses ranging drastically from 100,000 times smaller than a paper clip to 100,000 times larger than the sun.
Consider the possibility of passing through a black hole.
Let’s explore further.
According to Professor Robert Scherrer, a physicist from Vanderbilt University, “A sufficiently large primordial black hole, about the size of an asteroid or larger, would cause serious injury or death if it passed through you.”
It would essentially feel “like a gunshot.”
In context with the Big Bang theory, primordial black holes are believed to have formed during the universe’s initial moments. This theory suggests these black holes emerged from massive clouds of matter collapsing into singularities.
Currently, primordial black holes remain theoretical. The hypothesis is that these Big Bang-era black holes might have been shrinking over the last 13.8 billion years.
Professor Scherrer notes that a PBH intersecting with your brain “would be sufficient to pull apart human brain cells,” as detailed in his paper in the International Journal of Modern Physics D.
However, there’s no reason to panic. Despite the alarming nature of this scenario, Professor Scherrer reassures that there is no real cause for concern.
He explains: “A smaller primordial black hole could pass through you, and you wouldn’t even notice it.”
“The density of these black holes is so low that such an encounter is essentially never going to happen.”
Moreover, there is no evidence of anyone being harmed by a black hole, underscoring the improbability of such an occurrence.
Rest assured, you are currently safe from black holes.