Astrophysical implications of hypothetical stable TeV-scale black holes
by
Michelangelo Mangano(CERN PH-TH)
→
Europe/Zurich
TH Theory Conference Room (CERN)
TH Theory Conference Room
CERN
Description
We analyze macroscopic effects of TeV-scale black holes, such as could possibly be produced at the LHC, in what is regarded as an extremely hypothetical scenario in which they are stable and, if trapped inside Earth, begin to accrete matter. We examine a wide variety of TeV-scale gravity scenarios, basing the resulting accretion models on first-principles, basic, and well-tested physical laws. We consider the effects of accretion inside Earth, as well as the dynamics of capture and growth inside white dwarfs and neutron stars of black holes produced by cosmic rays. We find no basis for concerns that TeV-scale black holes from the LHC could pose a risk to Earth on time scales shorter than the Earth's natural lifetime. Indeed, conservative arguments based on detailed calculations and the best-available scientific knowledge, including solid astronomical data, conclude, from multiple perspectives, that there is no risk of any significance whatsoever from such black holes.