Primordial black holes (PBHs), possibly formed shortly after the Big Bang, may be experiencing explosive events across the universe. A recent study led by theoretical physicists Dr Marco Calzà and Dr João G. Rosa from the University of Coimbra proposes that these eruptions, driven by Hawking radiation, could be detectable with the advanced sensitivity of future telescopes. Such events, if observed, could provide a deeper understanding of unexplored particles and uncover fundamental physics.

Understanding Primordial Black Holes

PBHs are thought to have emerged from high-density regions in the early universe, just fractions of a second post-Big Bang. Initially theorised in 1967 by scientists Yakov Zeldovich and Igor Novikov, these compact entities may have been as small as subatomic particles. Unlike their more massive counterparts, PBHs could have formed independently from stellar collapse, instead arising from energy fluctuations in the universe’s primordial “soup” of particles.

A major unanswered question is whether PBHs could account for dark matter, which constitutes 85% of all matter in the cosmos but remains undetected. Cosmological models lend support to the theory of PBHs, but direct observation has yet to confirm their existence.

The Role of Hawking Radiation

One defining feature of PBHs is their ability to emit Hawking radiation, a quantum process theorised by the late Stephen Hawking. This process suggests that black holes gradually lose mass by releasing radiation as virtual particle pairs arise near the event horizon. In larger black holes, this radiation is nearly undetectable, but smaller PBHs would emit a substantial amount, potentially revealing their presence to astronomers.

According to Dr. Calzà, lighter black holes could emit photons, electrons, and even neutrinos in detectable amounts. As they lose mass, PBHs would radiate more intensely, eventually leading to a powerful burst of radiation – an event that gamma-ray and neutrino detectors are actively monitoring.

Probing PBH Explosions for New Discoveries

In the study published in the Journal of High Energy Physics, Dr. Calzà and Dr. Rosa present methods to track the mass and spin of PBHs as they approach their final moments. Insights into a PBH’s spin could indicate the presence of new particles like axions, predicted by string theory. Dr. Rosa suggests that observing PBH explosions could reveal new physics by distinguishing particle models through the Hawking radiation spectrum.

Upcoming high-sensitivity telescopes may soon allow scientists to detect these cosmic events, shedding light on the elusive dark matter and broadening the understanding of our universe’s fundamental structure.

Concerns over the health of astronaut Sunita Williams have surfaced after a recent photo showed her appearing visibly thin, following her extended mission on the International Space Station (ISS). Williams, aged 59, and fellow astronaut Barry Wilmore were initially scheduled for an eight-day mission aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. However, due to a malfunction, they have been stranded on the ISS since their docking on 6 June, with Williams now marking over 150 days in orbit.

Health Implications of Extended Space Missions

As per a report by DailyMail, Dr Vinay Gupta, a pulmonologist based in Seattle, expressed concern after reviewing the recent image, noting signs of significant weight loss. He explained that the body burns more calories in space as it adapts to unique conditions, requiring astronauts to consume high-calorie diets. Calorie intake alone may not be enough, as Dr Gupta observed indications of a possible caloric deficit that could be affecting Williams’ appearance and well-being.

Space conditions intensify physiological stress due to factors like reduced oxygen levels and the body’s increased metabolic rate in response to cold. To combat muscle and bone loss, ISS crew members perform about 2.5 hours of exercise daily, which can further deplete calorie reserves. Dr Gupta said that in space, your metabolism demands more energy just to function, describing the physiological challenges astronauts face.

Differences in Health Risks Between Men and Women in Space

Concerns have been heightened by studies showing that space travel poses different health challenges for men and women. Research by NASA has highlighted that women may experience more pronounced losses in blood plasma and muscle mass compared to men. A recent study by Ball University observed muscle degradation in both men and women subjected to simulated weightlessness, with women showing greater muscle loss within shorter periods.

These findings underscore the need for tailored health support for extended space missions, especially for female astronauts. As Williams and Wilmore await a safe return to Earth, NASA is likely monitoring their health closely, with the recent hospitalization of another NASA crew after an extended ISS stay further amplifying these concerns.

SpaceX is set to launch another 20 Starlink satellites from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, on November 9. The launch, scheduled for 1:16 a.m. Eastern Time, involves a Falcon 9 rocket which will carry these satellites to low Earth orbit (LEO), where they will join the ever-growing Starlink network. It is reported that out of 20 satellites, 13 of these are expected to be equipped with direct-to-cell technology, a feature designed to enhance connectivity capabilities for mobile users on the ground. The launch window will remain open for four hours, providing a margin for adjustments if necessary. SpaceX plans to stream the event live on its X platform, starting around five minutes before liftoff.

Landing Planned for Reusable Falcon 9 Booster

As per the official information available from SpaceX, if all goes as planned, the Falcon 9’s first stage will perform a controlled descent, landing on SpaceX’s droneship “Of Course I Still Love You” positioned in the Pacific Ocean. This will be the 11th flight for this particular booster, highlighting SpaceX’s ongoing efforts in cost-saving and sustainability through rocket reusability. Roughly eight minutes after launch, the booster is expected to make its return journey, touching down on the droneship.

Expanding Starlink’s Global Network

With the deployment of these satellites, SpaceX continues to expand its Starlink internet constellation. The company has already surpassed 100 launches for the year, with nearly two-thirds dedicated to establishing this global satellite internet service. Starlink, designed to provide high-speed internet in remote and underserved regions, represents a significant shift in space-based telecommunications.
After launch, the Falcon 9‘s upper stage will release the 20 Starlink satellites into LEO approximately one hour after liftoff. This deployment brings SpaceX closer to its target of building a robust, low-latency broadband network accessible worldwide.