Dark matter may be behind wobble in Mars’ orbit, study suggests

A study published last week proposed that dark matter may be responsible for an observable wobble in Mars’ orbit.

The study, published in the peer-reviewed scientific journal Physical Review, postulates the theory that dark matter compromises microscopic, or primordial, black holes.

Unlike astrophysical black holes, these primordial black holes formed when dense pockets of gas collapsed in the seconds after the Big Bang and scattered throughout the universe because of expansion. 

Despite being as small as an atom, these primordial black holes would be heavier than thousands of solar masses and constitute dark matter. 

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First theorized in the 1930s by Swiss astronomer Fritz Zwicky, dark matter is a form of matter undetectable to the human eye. It does not emit light or energy but makes up roughly a quarter of the universe’s mass. Researchers have proposed its existence based on the gravitational pull on other visible matter.

The new study, "Close encounters of the primordial kind," theorizes that dark matter, made up of primordial black holes, is pushing Mars’ orbit slightly off track because of its extreme mass.

The researchers, comprising MIT physicists, backed up their theory with a simulation of Mars’ orbit which aligned with their proposal. 

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The researchers theorized that these primordial black holes would introduce a wobble into Mars' orbit at least once per decade during zooms through the solar system.

Astronomers can detect such a wobble thanks to advances in telemetry, or measuring the distance between planets. 

"We’re taking advantage of this highly instrumented region of space to try and look for a small effect," said co-author and physics professor David Kaiser. "If we see it, that would count as a real reason to keep pursuing this delightful idea that all of dark matter consists of black holes that were spawned in less than a second after the Big Bang and have been streaming around the universe for 14 billion years."

Reggie Bush sues NCAA, USC, and Pac-12 as he seeks NIL compensation from time starring for Trojans

Reggie Bush, the former USC Trojans star running back, is suing the NCAA, his school and the Pac-12 to recoup the money made on his name, image and likeness during his career with the football program from 2003-05. 

Bush’s attorney’s put out a news release explaining that Bush, the Heisman Trophy winner during the 2005 collegiate season, should be paid "to address and rectify ongoing injustices stemming from the exploitation" of his name. 

"This case is not just about seeking justice for Reggie Bush," Evan Selik, one of Bush’s attorneys, said in a statement. "It’s about setting a precedent for the fair treatment of all college athletes. Our goal is to rectify this injustice and pave the way for a system where athletes are rightfully recognized, compensated and treated fairly for their contributions."

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Bush continues to pursue a separate lawsuit against the NCAA for defamation, which was filed last year regarding the organization’s 2021 characterization of what led to Bush having to forfeit his Heisman Trophy in 2010. 

USC was slapped with sanctions that year, which were partly due to Bush having dealings with two sports marketers, which at the time of him playing, was against NCAA rules. 

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However, The Heisman Trust restored Bush’s trophy earlier this year, returning it to him while pointing out the changes to college sports since he left that level of football following the 2005 season. 

While Bush has had his issues with the NCAA, USC being on the lawsuit raised some eyebrows as their relationship seemed to have been patched up in recent years after the decade the school was forced to disassociate with him. 

"We appreciate that the new administration at USC is trying to pick up the pieces of the former administration's unjust and improper handling of Reggie Bush," Levi McCarthern, Bush’s attorney who is handling his separate lawsuit against the NCAA, said. "However, the delay in fixing this speaks volumes."

Bush was scheduled to lead the current Trojans football team out of the tunnel at the Coliseum at one game this season, while the school added his No. 5 back to its banners for Heisman winners at the famed stadium as well.  

But Bush isn’t the only one that is seeking compensation for their time in college, with name, image and likeness rules completely changing the game. 

Former Michigan stars Braylon Edwards and Denard Robinson were among a few from the Wolverines who sued the NCAA and the Big Ten Network earlier this month for similar reasons as Bush. 

Before Bush went on to have a successful NFL career over 11 seasons, he was a household name as a Trojan, collecting 1,740 rushing yards in his Heisman-winning season on 200 attempts, as he led the country in yards per attempt (8.7) with 16 touchdowns on the ground. 

Bush had 3,169 rushing yards for USC over his three seasons and 38 total touchdowns. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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