Astronomers Eye Potential Dark Matter Signal from Galactic Centre
A mysterious excess of gamma rays emanating from the center of the Milky Way galaxy is prompting scientists to investigate whether it could be a long-sought signal of dark matter. New research, utilizing supercomputer simulations and observations from NASA’s Fermi space telescope, suggests a correlation between areas of high dark matter collision density and the observed gamma ray excess.
dark matter, which makes up more than 26% of the universe, remains elusive, but is believed to be crucial for holding galaxies together. “Dark matter dominates the universe and holds galaxies together. It is indeed extremely critically important, and we are constantly looking for ways to detect it,” explained Professor Joseph Silk, leader of the study. “Gamma rays, and in particular the excess observed at the center of the galaxy, could be our first tangible clue.”
The research team mapped the distribution of dark matter in the Milky Way, accounting for the collisions and mergers of small proto-galaxies during the universe’s early stages. The resulting map closely aligns with the regions exhibiting the gamma ray surplus. “This is one of the strongest signals we have ever received from dark matter,” the study authors stated.
While the gamma ray glow could possibly originate from pulsars, researchers note that confirming this would require a significantly larger population of pulsars than currently observed at the galactic center.
A future international gamma-ray telescope, the Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTAO), slated for operation in 2026 in both Spain and Chile, is expected to provide more definitive answers. “A clear signal would be irrefutable proof, in my opinion. … Or maybe we won’t find anything, in which case the mystery will be even bigger to solve,” Professor Silk concluded.
