Back in 2019, LIGO and Virgo, two gravitational wave observatories, detected unusual ripples in spacetime from an event called GW190521. Scientists generally believe this signal came from two black holes colliding. However, researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences have a bold new idea.
In their recent paper, they propose that the wave might actually be an echo from a black hole collision in another universe. They suggest that the collision created a temporary wormhole linking our universe to the other one. According to them, the signals captured were so powerful that they opened this wormhole just long enough for us to catch a glimpse.
The researchers note that the usual signs of a black hole merger, like a clear “chirp” sound, were missing in GW190521. Typically, when two black holes come together, their gravitational waves increase in strength as they spiral closer. However, this event lacked the expected inspiral phase, which usually shows up in LIGO and Virgo’s readings.
The black holes involved in this merger were estimated to be 142 times the mass of our Sun. Under normal circumstances, the merger should have produced a longer signal, but the team believes this could be explained by a wormhole collapsing soon after the collision.
They created a waveform model to illustrate how a collision in another universe could produce echoes through a wormhole. Their model fits the LIGO-Virgo data better than conventional theories—though only slightly, leaving ample room for further exploration.
In an exciting twist, a more recent detection in 2023— a massive black hole merger—also showed a short-duration signal resembling GW190521. This could provide more insights into these phenomena.
While the idea of black holes and wormholes might sound like science fiction, it highlights the wonders of our universe. According to physicists, understanding such events could deepen our grasp of spacetime.
Recent surveys show that interest in black holes has surged. More people are curious about the universe due to advancements in technology and science communication. With each discovery, we get a little closer to unraveling these cosmic mysteries.
For further exploration, you can check reputable sources like the California Institute of Technology for the latest updates on gravitational waves and black holes.
