Unusual activity at the centre of the Milky Way has raised new questions about dark matter, potentially pointing to a previously overlooked candidate. Researchers suggest that a lightweight, self-annihilating form of dark matter could be influencing cosmic chemistry in ways that have gone unnoticed. This theory proposes that when two of these dark matter particles collide, they annihilate each other, producing electrons and positrons. The presence of these particles in dense gas regions may explain why the Central Molecular Zone (CMZ) contains a significant amount of ionised gas. Scientists argue that this ionisation effect could be an indirect way of detecting dark matter, shifting the focus beyond its gravitational influence.

New Dark Matter Hypothesis

According to a study published in Physical Review Letters, a research team led by Shyam Balaji, Postdoctoral Research Fellow at King’s College London, suggests that dark matter with a mass lower than a proton may be responsible for the high levels of ionisation observed in the CMZ. Speaking to Space.com, Balaji explained that unlike traditional dark matter candidates, which are mainly studied through gravitational interactions, this form of dark matter might be detectable through its impact on the interstellar medium.

Dark Matter and Ionisation

Dark matter is believed to make up 85 percent of the universe’s mass, yet it remains undetectable by conventional methods due to its lack of interaction with light. The research indicates that even if dark matter annihilation is rare, it would be more frequent in galaxy centres where dark matter is expected to be denser. The team suggests that the ionisation observed in the CMZ is too strong to be explained by cosmic rays alone, making dark matter a compelling alternative explanation.

Future Observations and Implications

Balaji highlighted that existing observations do not contradict this hypothesis, and upcoming space missions, including

COSI gamma-ray telescope set to launch in 2027, could provide further evidence. If confirmed, this would open a new avenue for studying dark matter, not just through its gravitational effects but also through its chemical interactions within the galaxy.

A quantum computer capable of functioning at room temperature has been developed, marking a major advancement in the field. Named Aurora, the system operates using light-based qubits and connects multiple modules through fibre optic cables. This approach aims to address key challenges in quantum computing, including scalability, fault tolerance, and error correction. The technology, designed by Xanadu, a Toronto-based quantum computing company, demonstrates the potential for networked quantum computers that do not require extreme cooling measures.

Photon-Based Quantum Computing at Scale

According to a study published in Nature, Aurora is the first quantum system that operates at scale while being entirely photonic. Traditional quantum computers rely on superconducting qubits that require near-absolute zero temperatures to function effectively. These systems face significant challenges due to heat generation and complex cooling infrastructure. By utilising photonic qubits instead of superconducting ones, Xanadu’s researchers have created a system that integrates seamlessly into existing fibre optic networks.

Networking Smaller Quantum Units

As reported, Christian Weedbrook, CEO and founder of Xanadu, explained that the industry’s primary challenges lie in improving quantum error correction and achieving scalability. The system has been designed with smaller, interconnected modules rather than a single large unit. Speaking to the publication, Darran Milne, CEO of VividQ and an expert in quantum information theory, noted that while dividing a quantum system into multiple components may improve error correction, it has been seen whether this approach will ultimately reduce errors or compound them.

Potential Applications and Future Development

The system integrates 35 photonic chips linked by 13 kilometres of fibre optic cables. Researchers believe this framework could enable large-scale quantum data centres, facilitating applications such as drug discovery simulations and secure quantum cryptography. According to Xanadu, future efforts will focus on minimising optical signal loss in fibre connections to enhance performance.

A vast stellar nursery, located 15,000 light-years away in the constellation Monoceros, has been revealed in remarkable detail by the Hubble Space Telescope. The image, capturing a small section of the expansive Sh2-284 emission nebula, highlights dense clouds of gas and dust illuminated by young stars. Pink clusters of newly formed stars are visible, contrasting with dark knots of dust scattered throughout the frame. The nebula, an HII region composed mainly of ionised hydrogen, is shaped by powerful radiation and stellar winds from a central star cluster.

Infrared Insights into Star Formation

According to observations from NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA), Hubble’s infrared imaging has provided an in-depth look at the young stars embedded within the nebula’s thick clouds. Unlike visible light, infrared wavelengths penetrate dense gas and dust, exposing stellar structures that remain concealed in optical images. The ionising influence of the Dolidze 25 star cluster, which ranges in age from 1.5 to 13 million years, has been noted as a key factor in shaping the nebula’s intricate formations.

A Glimpse Into Early Universe Conditions

Studies indicate that Sh2-284 is a low-metallicity region, meaning it contains fewer elements heavier than hydrogen and helium. This characteristic mirrors the conditions of the early universe when heavier elements had yet to form through nuclear fusion. The findings contribute to research on how low-metallicity environments influence star formation and the evolution of galaxies over time.

Comparing Observations from Different Telescopes

A comparison with ground-based observations from the European Southern Observatory (ESO) showcases the advantages of infrared imaging. While visible-light images emphasise the dense gas clouds, Hubble’s detailed view unveils the stars within and beyond them, offering a more comprehensive understanding of the processes occurring within Sh2-284.