Add BrightSurf on Google Email

News from "El Gordo": Study suggests dark matter may have collisional properties after all

Researchers used numerical simulations to analyze the behavior of dark matter in the giant galaxy cluster El Gordo. The study found that the physical separation between dark matter and other mass components can be explained using the Self-Interacting Dark Matter (SIDM) model.

SourceScuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati·JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 31, 2024

The case of the missing black holes

Researchers propose a novel approach to correct the leading model of primordial black hole (PBH) formation, aligning with cosmic microwave background observations. This could imply fewer PBHs than expected, potentially affecting the dark matter theory and gravitational wave events.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 29, 2024

Technical Trials for Easing the (Cosmological) Tension

A new study has sorted through models attempting to solve the cosmological tension, a discrepancy between two ways of calculating the universe's expansion. Three models that were previously viable solutions were excluded by the new data, while others reduced the tension but not solved it.

SourceSissa Medialab·JournalJournal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 19, 2024

The Radcliffe Wave is waving

Astronomers have discovered a massive, wave-shaped structure in the Milky Way, which is oscillating through space-time. The Radcliffe Wave is approximately 9,000 light years long and moves like a traveling wave, with star clusters along its path moving up and down.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 20, 2024

New dark matter theory explains two puzzles in astrophysics

A new theory, self-interacting dark matter (SIDM), proposes that dark matter particles interact through a dark force, explaining high-density halos and low-density halos of ultra-diffuse galaxies. SIDM simulates cosmic structure formation with strong dark matter self-interactions, diversifying halo density in central regions.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 6, 2023

New research sheds light on early galaxy formation

A new computer simulation of the early universe aligns with JWST observations, showing no discrepancy with theoretical expectations. The 'Renaissance simulations' track dark matter clumps and galaxy formation, consistent with models that dictate cosmic physics.

SourceMaynooth University·JournalThe Open Journal of Astrophysics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 26, 2023

Biggest ever supercomputer simulation to investigate Universe’s evolution

Researchers have carried out the largest ever computer simulations to investigate the Universe's evolution, taking into account ordinary matter and dark energy. The FLAMINGO simulations provide a detailed picture of virtual galaxies and galaxy clusters, allowing for comparisons with observations from new high-powered telescopes.

SourceDurham University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 24, 2023

Finding explanation for Milky Way’s warp

Astronomers at Harvard University have discovered a tilted dark matter halo, explaining the Milky Way's warp and flare. The team used models to calculate star orbits within a warped, oblong dark matter halo, matching existing observations of a distorted galaxy.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 10, 2023

Pulsars may make dark matter glow

Scientists propose that pulsars could detect dark matter by observing a subtle additional glow. If axions are produced in strong electromagnetic fields around pulsars, they could convert into observable light.

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 6, 2023

New clues to the nature of elusive dark matter

Researchers at the University of Adelaide have uncovered new clues in the quest for understanding dark matter, a mysterious substance making up 84% of the universe's mass. The study suggests that the dark photon hypothesis is preferred over the standard model hypothesis, providing evidence for a potential particle discovery.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalJournal of High Energy Physics·DateSep 18, 2023

Discovery of two potential Polar Ring galaxies suggests these stunning rare clusters might be more common than previously believed.

Researchers from Queen's University have identified two potential polar ring galaxies using data from the CSIRO's ASKAP radio telescope. The discovery suggests that these rare clusters might be more common than previously believed, with implications for our understanding of galaxy evolution and dark matter research.

SourceQueen's University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 13, 2023

Dark matter halos measured around ancient quasars

A team of researchers from the University of Tokyo has measured dark matter halo masses around ancient quasars, finding a consistent mass of about 10 trillion times the mass of our sun. This discovery suggests a characteristic DMH mass that activates quasars regardless of time period.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateSep 11, 2023

Direct evidence for modified gravity at low acceleration from Gaia observations of wide binary stars

A new study by Kyu-Hyun Chae found conclusive evidence for the breakdown of standard gravity in low acceleration limit using up to 26,500 wide binaries observed by Gaia. The results show a boost factor of 30-40% higher than Newton-Einstein prediction, meeting conventional criteria of 5 sigma significance.

SourceSejong University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 11, 2023

Exploring dark matter and the first bright galaxies simultaneously: 21-cm forest probe may unlock secrets of early universe

A joint research team from Northeastern University and the National Astronomical Observatories of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has proposed a novel 21-cm forest probe to shed light on dark matter and the early formation of galaxies simultaneously. By measuring the one-dimensional power spectrum of the 21-cm forest, scientists can di...

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Astronomy·DateJul 11, 2023

Astronomers discover new link between dark matter and clumpiness of the universe

Researchers at the University of Toronto have made a breakthrough in understanding dark matter and its impact on the universe's large-scale structure. By analyzing cosmic microwave background data and galaxy clustering patterns, they suggest that ultra-light axion particles could account for the observed lack of clumpiness.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJournal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 14, 2023

Helium nuclei research advances our understanding of cosmic ray origin and propagation

The CALET team, including researchers from Waseda University, found that cosmic ray helium particles follow a Double Broken Power Law, indicating spectral hardening and softening in high-energy ranges. This deviation from expected power-law distribution suggests unique sources or mechanisms accelerating and propagating helium nuclei.

SourceWaseda University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeObservational study·DateMay 25, 2023

M87 in 3D: New view of galaxy helps pin down mass of the black hole at its core

Astronomers have mapped the M87 galaxy's 3D structure and determined its supermassive black hole has a mass of 5.37 billion times that of the sun. The galaxy's asymmetrical shape allows for more precise measurements, including the rotation rate of 25 kilometers per second around an axis 40 degrees from the long axis.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 13, 2023

Dark order in the universe

A team of scientists from Kyoto University has confirmed that galaxy alignments can be a powerful probe for dark matter and dark energy. The analysis of 1.2 million galaxy observations verified general theory of relativity at vast spatial scales, providing strong evidence for gravity's role in shaping the universe.

SourceKyoto University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 13, 2023

Thinking big and dark by starting small and light

Scientists at Kyoto University have established a new experimental method to examine ultra-light dark matter, addressing the challenging problem of detection. By applying millimeter-wave sensing technology in cryogenic conditions, they were able to detect dark photons with a mass range previously unexplored.

SourceKyoto University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 20, 2023