University of Portsmouth researchers propose ancient black holes may explain dark matter

New research from the University of Portsmouth suggests that black holes formed before the Big Bang may have survived a cosmic bounce, potentially serving as 'cosmic fossils' that explain the nature of dark matter.

Rather than the universe beginning at a single singularity, the study explores 'bouncing cosmology' models. In this framework, an earlier universe contracted into an extremely dense state before reversing direction and expanding. This theory proposes that primordial black holes from that previous phase could have persisted through the transition into our current universe.

Lead author Professor Enrique Gaztañaga notes that while the standard Big Bang model successfully explains the cosmic microwave background and galaxy distribution, it leaves major questions unanswered, such as the trigger for the Big Bang and the composition of dark matter. If these ancient black holes exist, they could provide the necessary clues to resolve these fundamental mysteries of physics and cosmic origins.