MIT physicists have put forward a theory that the wobble in Mars’ orbit could be caused by primordial black holes, which may constitute dark matter. According to the research, these tiny black holes formed after the Big Bang and could be passing through our solar system, affecting the orbit of planets like Mars. David Kaiser, a professor of physics at MIT, suggests that the technology we have today could detect this slight shift in Mars’ orbit, which would be a significant breakthrough in understanding dark matter.

The Role of Primordial Black Holes

The study published in the journal Physical Review D suggests that dark matter could be made up of these primordial black holes, which are different from those formed from collapsed stars. These microscopic black holes may exert enough gravitational force to impact planetary orbits.

MIT’s team, including David Kaiser and Sarah Geller, used simulations to predict that these black holes pass through the solar system every decade or so. Their calculations show that even a black hole the size of an asteroid could influence Mars’ orbit.

Detecting the Wobble

Mars is an ideal candidate for this study because of its precise telemetry data. Instruments currently track its position with an accuracy of about 10 centimetres. A passing primordial black hole would cause Mars to deviate slightly from its regular orbit. Sarah Geller, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of California, Santa Cruz, told Phys.org that while Earth and the Moon might also be affected, the data for Mars is clearer, making it easier to detect any potential anomalies.

What This Could Mean for Dark Matter Research

If such a wobble is detected, it could confirm the presence of primordial black holes and offer new insights into dark matter. The research highlights the need for precise observations and collaboration with experts in solar system dynamics to explore this phenomenon further.

Earth will have a close encounter with the asteroid Apophis, also known as the “God of Destruction” on Friday, April 13, 2029. Named after the Egyptian deity of chaos, this massive asteroid will come within 19,000 miles (30,600 kilometres) of our planet, close enough to be visible to the naked eye. However, recent research suggests that a collision with smaller asteroids could potentially alter Apophis’s trajectory, raising concerns about future encounters.

Research on Apophis’s Trajectory

Paul Wiegert, an astronomer at the University of Western Ontario, has investigated the impact of smaller space rocks on Apophis’s path. Wiegert told Space.com, while the chances of such collisions occurring are minimal, there remains a slight risk.

He calculates that the probability of an asteroid deflecting Apophis enough to pose a threat after 2029 is about one in one million, as per the report. The likelihood of an asteroid striking Apophis and causing a direct impact with Earth in 2029 is even lower, approximately one in two billion.

Potential Impact and Future Monitoring

Apophis, which was first discovered in 2004, has been closely monitored due to its potential hazard. Initial assessments placed it high on risk lists, but a close flyby in March 2021 reassured scientists that a collision with Earth is not expected for at least 100 years. However, the recent study highlights that random impacts from smaller asteroids could still pose a future risk.

The asteroid’s possible collision with Earth could have catastrophic consequences. If Apophis were to impact a densely populated area, it could unleash energy equivalent to more than 1,000 megatons of TNT, causing widespread devastation. Fortunately, with current technology and potential future interventions, such as NASA’s Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART), scientists hope to have strategies to deflect or mitigate the threat of Apophis.

Future Prospects

While Apophis’s imminent pass in 2029 is not expected to result in a collision, it presents a valuable opportunity for scientific study and preparedness. As the astronomical community continues to explore ways to protect Earth from potential asteroid impacts, the close approach of Apophis serves as a crucial test of our readiness to handle such threats.