Exploring the Invisible: Searching for Primordial Black Holes in the Milky Way
A study led by Przemek Mróz used the OGLE survey to search for primordial black holes (PBHs) as dark matter candidates in the Milky Way. Analyzing 20 years of data from 80 million stars, the team found no long-timescale microlensing events, placing strict limits on the contribution of PBHs to dark matter. These findings challenge theories linking PBHs to dark matter or black hole merger rates observed by gravitational wave detectors.
Exploring the Heart of the Milky Way: A Study of Its Bulge Structure, Kinematics, and Stars
This study explores the Milky Way’s bulge using OGLE, APOGEE, and Gaia data, focusing on its structure, stellar populations, and dynamics. Researchers identified distinct central and inner bulge star groups, with the inner aligning with the Galactic bar and the central showing slower rotation. Chemical analyses revealed differences in star formation histories. A boxy bulge shape was supported over an X-shaped structure, highlighting the bulge's complex evolution from the Galactic disk.