Invisible Boson Stars Could Hold the Key to Dark Matter’s Mysteries
The universe is thought to be teeming with invisible entities called boson stars, formed from an exotic material that neither shines nor emits detectable radiation. These celestial objects might hold the key to the enigma of dark matter, which accounts for approximately a quarter of the cosmos’s mass-energy content. While theoretical models propose that dark matter comprises undiscovered particles, no direct evidence for their existence has yet emerged, leaving scientists exploring alternative explanations, including these unusual star-like formations.
The Role of Axions in Dark Matter Studies
As reported by space.com, according to studies on dark matter, axions—a type of hypothetical quantum particle—have emerged as a leading candidate. These particles were originally theorised to address discrepancies in the strong nuclear force’s mathematical symmetry. Axions are considered ultralight, with masses trillions of times smaller than the neutrino, the lightest known particle. Their wave-like nature can extend across galaxies, making them a plausible foundation for dark matter and forming what are now termed boson stars.
Unique Characteristics of Boson Stars
Bosons, such as axions, possess the unique ability to occupy the same quantum state in large numbers, unlike electrons or protons. This property enables them to collapse under gravitational forces into dense formations without emitting light. These formations, referred to as boson stars or dark stars, may vary in size from that of regular stars to massive galactic cores. Their existence could complicate efforts to detect axions directly since boson stars remain invisible and interact minimally with ordinary matter.
Potential for Detection and Implications
Despite the challenges, phenomena such as disruptions in stellar nuclear fusion or spontaneous energetic events, dubbed “bosenovas,” may offer opportunities to identify boson stars. Researchers remain uncertain whether axions and boson stars definitively constitute dark matter. However, their exploration continues to expand understanding of the universe’s unseen components, raising questions about the prevalence of these mysterious structures in the cosmos.
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A volcanic fissure has emerged near Grindavík on Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula after a series of strong earthquakes. Lava has breached the town’s defence barriers. The Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) has warned that the fissure may continue to expand. The eruption began along the Sundhnúkur crater row early in the morning. By 9:45 a.m. local time, a fissure stretching nearly 1,200 metres had opened north of Grindavík. The crack is moving southward. Officials have raised the hazard level to the highest risk category.
Evacuations and Road Closures
According to the IMO, a second fissure has appeared inside Grindavík’s protective barriers. Authorities have evacuated the town along with the Blue Lagoon spa. Roads in and out of the area have been shut. Some residents have refused to leave. Local media outlet Visir has reported that emergency services remain on high alert.
Impact of Volcanic Gas
Weather forecasts indicate that volcanic gas will be carried northeastward towards Reykjavík. The capital is located about 40 kilometres away. The IMO has stated that by tomorrow morning, changing wind patterns may direct the gas southwest and eastward. Residents have been told to remain indoors as much as possible while closely monitoring air quality updates. Reykjanes Peninsula has experienced about 11 eruptions since 2021. Eight have occurred along the Sundhnúkur crater row since last year. Scientists continue to monitor the situation closely. Authorities have urged people to avoid the affected region.
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Astronomers have released new images of planets within the HR 8799 and 51 Eridani star systems. The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) was used in a way that was different from standard procedures to achieve these results. Capturing direct images of exoplanets is challenging due to the brightness of host stars, which often obscures planetary details. To allow more light through, researchers adjusted JWST’s coronagraphs. This helps in enhancing the visibility of these distant worlds. This adjustment provided clearer insights into planetary atmospheres and their compositions.
Unconventional Use of JWST’s Coronagraphs
According to a study published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, lead author William Balmer, a Ph.D. candidate at Johns Hopkins University, explained to Space.com that a thinner part of the coronagraph mask was used. This allowed more starlight to diffract, reducing the risk of completely obscuring planets. Coronagraphs typically block starlight to reveal faint celestial bodies, but this modification provided a balance between removing excessive glare and preserving planetary details.
Key Discoveries and Observations
The JWST’s mid-infrared imaging captured HR 8799 at 4.6 microns. It is a wavelength that is mainly blocked by Earth’s atmosphere. Balmer stated that previous ground-based attempts had failed, demonstrating JWST’s stability in detecting exoplanets. Observations at 4.3 microns were also conducted. This revealed the presence of carbon dioxide. It is a very important step in determining the planetary formation processes. The detected carbon dioxide levels suggested that these planets likely formed through core accretion, gathering heavy elements over time.
Future Research and Expanding Studies
There are many research planned to study the four additional planetary systems. Balmer’s team has been allocated more JWST observation time to confirm whether similar gas giants formed through core accretion. This could offer more insights into the stability of planetary systems and potential habitability of smaller, unseen planets.
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