A substantial concentration of dark matter might be situated in close proximity to our galaxy.
Researchers have uncovered indications of an unseen, colossal mass within the solar system’s galactic vicinity. This supposed aggregation of dark matter possesses a mass approximately 10 million times that of our sun, as detailed in a January 29 publication in Physical Review Letters. Dark matter is a substance whose identity remains unknown, detectable solely through its gravitational influence on the universe. The Milky Way galaxy is encircled by an immense dark matter “halo,” and scientific conjecture suggests that countless smaller agglomerations, referred to as “subhalos,” exist within this larger structure. A potential candidate for one such subhalo has now been identified, lying roughly a kiloparsec from the sun, which equates to approximately 3,260 light-years.
The detection of this inconspicuous entity was achieved by meticulously observing the emissions from pulsars, which are remnants of collapsed stars that emit pulsed radio waves at consistent intervals. By analyzing variations in the pulse rate over time, astronomers are capable of conducting diverse cosmic measurements.
Among a cohort of 53 pulsars examined by the investigative team, a pair of adjacent pulsars exhibited anomalies in their pulse frequency, suggesting the presence of a gravitational influence exerted by a significant mass. To ascertain the mass of this object, the researchers incorporated additional pulsars located near the initial pair, bringing the total under observation to 19. Crucially, no observable stars or nebulae in the vicinity could account for these anomalies, thus implicating dark matter as the most probable cause.
Various theoretical models concerning dark matter predict distinct spatial arrangements for these subhalos. Consequently, the ability to comprehensively chart all the subhalos within the Milky Way could serve to elucidate the fundamental characteristics of dark matter, according to astrophysicist Sukanya Chakrabarti from the University of Alabama in Huntsville. “This represents the ultimate objective, the prize we are pursuing,” she stated.
