Astrophysicists from the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research in India have proposed a groundbreaking theory that challenges traditional views on black hole formation. According to their study, published in Physical Review D, tiny black holes may not only form from supernova explosions but also emerge within living stars, gradually growing by accumulating dark matter.

How Do Black Holes Form Inside Stars?

Scientists suggest that microscopic black holes can form in the cores of stars, absorbing dark matter from their surroundings. These objects differ from classical black holes, which arise from the collapse of massive stars. Instead, these new black holes grow slowly and remain undetectable to external observations, hiding within the star’s interior.

The researchers focused particularly on white dwarfs—compact remnants of stars like the Sun. Depending on the star’s rotation speed, three evolutionary scenarios are possible:

  • Complete absorption. The black hole gradually “consumes” the star from within, transforming it into a full-fledged black hole.
  • Naked singularity. In some cases, an object without an event horizon may form, defying known laws of physics.
  • Hybrid star. The black hole “parasitizes” the star’s core, coexisting with it and slowly consuming its material.

The Role of Dark Matter

Dark matter, which makes up about 27% of the universe’s mass, plays a crucial role in this theory. High concentrations of dark matter, such as in the center of the Milky Way, may facilitate the formation of these black holes within stars. This could explain why such objects may be widespread in galaxies with dense star clusters.

Scientific Significance

The discovery reshapes our understanding of stellar evolution and the role of dark matter in the universe. If the theory holds true, every star in the night sky could harbor a tiny black hole in its core, subtly influencing its life cycle. This raises new questions about how these “parasites” shape galaxy structures and affect star formation processes.

Research Prospects

Scientists plan to test the hypothesis by analyzing data on star behavior in regions with high dark matter concentrations. Observations of white dwarfs and other compact objects using advanced telescopes, such as the James Webb Space Telescope, could confirm the presence of these unusual black holes. Additionally, the theory may shed light on the nature of dark matter and its interactions with ordinary matter.

Khoren Grigoryan