In the “Little Black Holes Everywhere” episode of Radiolab, the hosts explore the Tunguska event of 1908, a mysterious explosion that flattened 800 square miles of land in Russia. Despite extensive research, the cause of the explosion remains a mystery. The episode also delves into the concept of primordial black holes and their potential role in events like the Tunguska explosion. Additionally, the hosts discuss the existence of little black holes and their fascinating properties.
The Tunguska event of 1908 remains a mystery, with no concrete evidence of its cause. However, scientists have proposed the idea that it could have been caused by a primordial black hole (PBH). PBHs are tiny black holes created during the Big Bang, and over time, they can shrink down to the size of an atom. These un-tethered PBHs can cross the orbits of other objects, potentially explaining events like the Tunguska explosion. The lack of physical evidence from the explosion continues to baffle scientists and inspire theories.
Research suggests that little black holes are present throughout the universe. These small black holes can pass through objects like atoms without causing harm, as atoms are mostly empty space. Most black holes have a best friend, which is a star that orbits around it. Scientists can measure the wobbling of the star to determine the mass of the black hole. The properties of little black holes and their interactions with other celestial bodies provide insights into the nature of these mysterious entities.
The “Little Black Holes Everywhere” episode of Radiolab takes listeners on a journey through the enigmatic Tunguska event and explores the fascinating concept of primordial black holes. It also sheds light on the existence and properties of little black holes. The episode leaves us with a sense of awe and curiosity about the mysteries of the universe and the potential role of black holes in shaping cosmic events.