The search for dark matter particles continues, with astronomers exploring a variety of methods to detect these elusive particles. One approach is to look for evidence of dark matter particle decay, as some models suggest that dark matter particles may interact with each other, leading to their decay into regular particles. . To date, there is no clear evidence of this effect, but a new study suggests an interesting line of investigation: white dwarfs. White dwarfs are dense remnants of dead stars, about the same mass as the Sun but compressed into a small sphere the size of Earth. The pressure of electrons inside these white dwarfs keeps them from collapsing. Unlike neutron stars, white dwarfs have a perfect balance between density and size. They are also abundant throughout the Milky Way, providing astronomers with many research opportunities. The study authors say white dwarfs provide an ideal source for detecting the decay of dark matter. Due to their high density, white dwarfs are able to attract interactions with dark matter particles. Additionally, their strong surface gravity allows them to capture dark matter particles over time.
The decay of dark matter inside white dwarfs produces excess heat and gamma rays, making it possible to distinguish normal white dwarfs from those enriched in dark matter. Researchers conducted a study using a simple model of a white dwarf made entirely of carbon-12. They then considered three different particle models with different masses and calculated the interaction cross section between dark matter particles and regular matter in the white dwarf. Based on this analysis, they identified the current observational constraints on dark matter.
Researchers conducted a study using a simple model of a white dwarf made entirely of carbon-12. They then considered three different particle models with different masses and calculated the interaction cross section between dark matter particles and regular matter in the white dwarf. Based on this analysis, they identified the current observational constraints on dark matter. Although there is no evidence of dark matter decay to date, the study shows that directly examining individual white dwarf stars could provide insights into dark matter. White dwarfs located near the center of the Milky Way or in nearby globular clusters are especially promising candidates for further study.
As astronomers continue to search for dark matter, exploring the possibility of detecting excess gamma rays from white dwarfs is an exciting avenue for further exploration.
source: https://arxiv.org/abs/2309.10843