Subscribe now

Space

Our galaxy may host strange black holes born just after the big bang

The Milky Way may be home to strange black holes from the first moments of the universe, and the best candidates are the three closest black holes to Earth

By Leah Crane

23 August 2024

Primordial black holes could be closer than we thought

SpaceEngine / Cosmographic Software LLC.

The closest black holes to Earth may date back to the first moments after the big bang. New models of how these so-called primordial black holes would orbit other cosmic objects seem to match the unusual properties of the nearest black holes we have ever seen.

Regular, or astrophysical, black holes form when massive stars collapse in on themselves. But before stars existed at all, in the very early universe, tiny black holes…

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox! We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

Sign up

To continue reading, subscribe today with our introductory offers

Unlock this article

No commitment, cancel anytime*

Offer ends 15 January 2025.

*Cancel anytime within 14 days of payment to receive a refund on unserved issues.

Inclusive of applicable taxes (VAT)

or

Existing subscribers

Sign in to your account