Microscopic black holes formed right after the Big Bang could fly through our solar system once per decade, causing tiny gravitational distortions that scientists might soon detect. These findings could help unravel the mystery of dark matter, the invisible substance believed to account for about five-sixths of the universe’s matter.

Researchers have long suspected dark matter might consist of unknown particles. However, despite numerous experiments, no evidence of such particles has been found. One promising alternative, scientists say, is that primordial black holes — formed at the dawn of time — could explain dark matter’s elusive nature.

Gravitational Distortions in the Solar System

Dark matter, which scientists infer from its gravitational influence on visible matter and light, remains a mystery. Although it doesn’t emit or absorb light, its presence is widely accepted due to its significant effects on the universe’s structure. Roughly 86% of all matter in the universe is thought to be composed of dark matter.

Black holes are famous for their immense gravitational pull, preventing even light from escaping. But unless they actively consume stars or other objects, they can go undetected in the vastness of space. Over the years, astronomers have identified many black holes, ranging from stellar-mass black holes to supermassive ones.

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This new research focuses on much smaller primordial black holes. These black holes could have masses similar to large asteroids, ranging from 100 billion to 100 million billion metric tons. Unlike stellar black holes, these are much lighter and far smaller in size, potentially no larger than a hydrogen atom.

Challenges in Detecting Microscopic Black Holes

Study co-author Sarah Geller, a physicist at the University of California, Santa Cruz, said, "The black holes we consider are at least 10 billion times lighter than the sun." Scientists are now exploring ways to detect these primordial black holes. Collaborating with the Paris Observatory’s solar system simulation group, they aim to analyse existing orbital data to search for gravitational disruptions, reports Space.com.

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This method of detecting primordial black holes through their gravitational effects may not definitively distinguish them from other objects of similar mass, Geller warned. "If we detect something, follow-up observations could rule out other possibilities," she said.

Astronomers excel at finding small objects, like asteroids, in our solar system. However, directly observing a tiny black hole with a telescope is unlikely, as it would likely appear invisible.