While micro black holes might sound cute, their theoretical existence–as implied by specific theoretical physics models–propounds that little Earth-swallowers would form upon the collision of particles slammed together with enough energy.
His theory postulates that because these black holes emit radiation and forfeit mass so much faster than they can gain it, their rapid disappearance is highly likely.
But if Hawking calmed us down about micro black holes with his theory of radiation expenditure and mass loss, why are other scientists concerned?
Simply put, experts are fearful that a micro black hole, once on the scene, won’t evaporate.
Nor does this prediction prohibit the the possibility of deviations from the model governing micro black holes–it doesn’t prevent novel, unexpected physics phenomena challenging current knowledge and assumptions.
The micro hole would grow bigger Thus, once a staple of sci-fi, the scenario of micro black holes now comprises a genuine concern that scientists seriously discuss, particularly regarding safety assessments of collider experiments.
CERN famously declared micro black holes nothing to worry about prior to operating the LHC.
And, so far, none of these cosmic rays have birthed a little baby black hole.
A little background on these tiny dead stars first.
Although they may sound adorable, micro black holes are hypothetical entities that could form when particles collide with sufficient energy, as suggested by certain theoretical physics models. These cosmic tears would, of course, be much smaller than those found in deep space.
The theories, especially the one about a process called Hawking radiation, said that the phenomena, given their tiny size, would vanish almost instantly upon arrival. Not to give too much away, but the vision behind this process came from the renowned physicist Stephen Hawking. This black hole’s rapid disappearance is highly likely, according to his theory, because they lose mass and emit radiation so much faster than they can acquire it.
However, why are other scientists worried if Hawking’s theory of radiation expenditure and mass loss helped to allay our fears regarding micro black holes?
Their fear stems from the improbable possibility that two particles will collide, disproving Hawking’s theory—which, while “untested” in reality, is still just a theory—and producing a miniature dead star. Experts simply fear that once present, a micro black hole will not vanish.
And it’s not just that.
When taking a step back, it’s important to remember that every collision in a particle collider is a novel occurrence that forces us to explore the unknown and push the boundaries of our knowledge of physics and reality itself.
Just because the constantly changing standard model of particle physics predicts that these tiny dark chasms will most likely vanish and not be a threat, doesn’t mean that they will.
The possibility of departures from the model governing micro black hole is also not excluded by this prediction; rather, it does not preclude the occurrence of novel and unexpected physics phenomena that challenge accepted theories and knowledge.
The idea is that physics and science in general are rife with examples of novel phenomena, departures from models, and failed predictions. That is the scientific method, that is empiricism; that is what science as a discipline consists of.
That being said, it is generally accepted in theory that a micro black hole could ferociously devour matter, beginning with us, if it lingered longer than predicted or if it engaged with it in a different way than first thought. The micro hole would enlarge.
So, from being a mainstay of science fiction, the possibility of micro black holes is now a real worry that scientists talk about, especially when it comes to safety evaluations of collider experiments.
Fortunately, in order to allay these worries, the scientific community initiated thorough safety investigations. Known for telling us not to worry about micro black holes, CERN did so before turning on the LHC.
In addition, cosmic rays—basically, nature’s own version of extremely high-energy particles—frequently collide with Earth; their energy is far greater than anything produced in a collider. Furthermore, none of these cosmic rays have created a tiny baby black hole thus far.
That doesn’t, however, lessen their potential or make them any less terrifying.
