A new study suggests that elusive dark matter may be the key to unlocking one of the universe's greatest mysteries: how supermassive black holes merge.
For decades, astronomers have puzzled over the "final parsec problem." As supermassive black holes orbit each other, they gradually lose energy, drawing closer together.
However, once they are about 3.2 light-years apart, this process inexplicably stalls. Conventional models couldn't explain how these cosmic behemoths could overcome this final hurdle and ultimately collide.
Now, a team of researchers has proposed a groundbreaking solution: dark matter. They theorize that particles of self-interacting dark matter, clustered around the black holes, could provide the necessary friction for them to continue their deadly dance and eventually merge.
This hypothesis challenges the traditional view of dark matter as a solitary, non-interacting substance. By demonstrating that dark matter can interact with itself, this research opens up new avenues for understanding the nature of this mysterious component of the universe.
If this theory holds true, it has significant implications. It could explain the observed background hum of gravitational waves, which is believed to be caused by countless merging black holes throughout the cosmos. Additionally, it could provide insights into the structure of dark matter halos that surround galaxies.
While this research is still in its early stages, it represents a promising step forward in our quest to understand both dark matter and the formation of supermassive black holes.
By studying these cosmic giants, scientists hope to unravel the secrets of the universe's invisible matter and gain a deeper appreciation for the violent and dynamic processes that shape our cosmos.
Source:
Published 9 July 2024 in Physical Review Letters; Self-Interacting Dark Matter Solves the Final Parsec Problem of Supermassive Black Hole Mergers
https://journals.aps.org/prl/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevLett.133.021401