Enrique Gaztanaga proposes dark matter as relic black holes from dead universes
Updated
Updated · Futurism · Apr 26
Enrique Gaztanaga proposes dark matter as relic black holes from dead universes
3 articles · Updated · Futurism · Apr 26
Gaztanaga’s new study in Physical Review D suggests objects larger than 90 metres could survive a cosmic collapse and become relic black holes.
These relic black holes, possibly originating from a previous universe, could account for a significant portion of dark matter and explain early supermassive black holes.
The theory relies on the Big Bounce model and requires further testing against gravitational-wave data, galaxy surveys, and cosmic microwave background measurements to validate its predictions.
If black holes survived the Big Bang, what else from a past universe might be hiding in ours?
Does new data ruling out modified gravity make 'relic' black holes our best bet for dark matter?
Could 'fossils' from a previous universe finally solve the mystery of dark matter?
Are the giant black holes seen by JWST actually ancient relics from before the Big Bang?
How will telescopes in the 2030s prove or disprove this cyclical universe theory?
If the universe is in an endless cycle, does that change everything about its ultimate beginning?
Gaztañaga’s Big Bounce Model: Relic Black Holes as Dark Matter and the Universe Inside a Black Hole
Overview
In February 2026, Enrique Gaztañaga introduced the Big Bounce model, proposing that our universe emerged from a prior contracting phase that rebounded, rather than a singular Big Bang. This model suggests objects larger than about 90 meters, especially primordial black holes, survived the bounce and now may form much of the universe's dark matter. It naturally explains early supermassive black holes as relics from before the bounce and unifies cosmic inflation and dark energy without new particles. The theory predicts a small positive spatial curvature and unique gravitational wave signals, offering testable alternatives to standard cosmology while challenging the idea of a singular cosmic beginning.