Primordial black holes could spark hidden Type Ia supernovae throughout the Milky Way
Researchers propose that tiny primordial black holes passing through white dwarfs may trigger Type Ia supernova explosions, offering a new explanation for observed chemical patterns in our galaxy.
An international collaboration has identified a novel pathway for Type Ia supernovae: primordial black holes, formed during cosmic inflation, can pierce white dwarf stars and generate tidal forces strong enough to ignite a thermonuclear explosion. Led by Shing-Chi Leung, the group modeled the luminosity, spectra, and elemental composition of such events and found close agreement with observed supernova remnants like Tycho, Kepler, and 3C 397, as well as nearby explosions such as SN 2011fe.
Analysis of radioactive isotopes (Ni-56, Ni-57) and stable elements (Mn, Ni) allowed the team to infer the progenitor masses and metallicities, linking the explosions to the chemical makeup of Milky Way stars. Their calculations indicate that a non-zero proportion of these black-hole-induced supernovae is needed to explain the galaxy’s observed abundance trends, suggesting that primordial black holes have subtly shaped galactic chemistry.
The researchers plan to extend the study to assess how this channel influences the overall supernova rate. Their work highlights a potential indirect signature of elusive dark-matter candidates.
Why it matters
If true, hidden black holes could be a missing piece in how stars explode and how the Milky Way acquired its elements.
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