Scheme H3+ production in Jupiter. Aurora Borealis H3+ emission near the magnetic poles is obtained by precipitated electrons and extreme solar UV irradiates the dayside and is dominated by H3+ production near the equator. No significant H3+ is expected at low latitudes on the night side, making it an ideal DM signal region. Credit: Physical Review Letters (2024). DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.132.261002
A pair of astrophysicists from Princeton University and the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory have found possible evidence of dark matter particles colliding. In their study published in Physical Review LettersCarlos Blanco and Rebecca Leane made nighttime measurements in Jupiter’s equatorial region to minimize the effects of the aurora.
Dark matter has been at the forefront of physics research since it was first proposed in the 1930s, even though it has not yet been directly detected. Still, most in the field believe it makes up roughly 70% to 80% of all matter in the universe. It is believed to exist because it is the only explanation for the strange gravitational effects observed in the motion of galaxies and the motion of stars.
The researchers hypothesize that it might be possible to detect dark matter indirectly by identifying the heat or light emitted when dark matter particles collide and annihilate each other. In this new study, scientists have found what they believe may be such an example—light in the outer atmosphere of Jupiter’s dark side.
They suggest that dark matter particles are drawn to Jupiter by its strong gravity and collide with its ionosphere. Scientists think that in doing so, there are likely to be instances where they collide and create light.
To confirm their theory, the scientists studied data captured by Cassini’s visual and infrared mapping spectrometers for three hours. More specifically, they looked at measurements of the planet on the night side above its equatorial region. They believed this would reduce the impact of Jupiter’s aurora.
They searched the data for evidence of more H3+ than could be explained by other means, as theories suggest that it would be produced by dark matter particles after a collision.
Scientists found H3+, but it is still unclear whether the amounts they measured were higher than could be obtained by other means; therefore, they plan to continue their work in the hope of finding evidence that they were generated by dark matter collisions.
More information:
Carlos Blanco et al, Searching for Dark Matter Ionization on the Night Side of Jupiter with Cassini, Physical Review Letters (2024). DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.132.261002
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