A report published on the open-access platform arXiv describes the existence of a special molecular form that can exist around two black holes, similar to how an electron can be present near two hydrogen atoms.
This new finding marks the first time astronomers have found an explanation for what is known as “gravitational molecules.” In modern physics, an electron represents a field, a tangible physical entity that exists in the space surrounding objects (or systems of objects) to interact across spacetime distances. Essentially, an atom consists of a nucleus surrounded by an electron field.
This electron field responds to the presence of the nucleus, allowing the electron to exist only in specific regions. Interestingly, the environment around a black hole can also be described in a similar way. The center of a black hole is like the nucleus of an atom, while the surrounding environment has the presence of submolecular particle-like entities.
Researchers have discovered specific forms of fields, called scalar fields, that can exist around a system of two black holes. The Mystery of Dark Matter This discovery is predicted to bring experts closer to the prospect of identifying dark matter based on the currently available gravitational wave detection devices. Dark matter remains highly enigmatic.
To this day, humanity is still uncertain about its true nature. Astronomers have been unable to directly detect dark matter because it neither absorbs, reflects, nor emits any electromagnetic radiation.
However, based on the interaction of dark matter with surrounding entities, such as the rotation of galaxies and the bending of light during its propagation, we infer the presence of something beyond observable matter, which we refer to as dark matter.
Based on various observational results, up to 85% of the total matter in the universe is believed to be dark matter, although the actual distribution varies from galaxy to galaxy.