There might be a hidden cloud in the galaxy! Astronomers think they found the first dark matter subhalo in the Milky Way.
Dark matter has always been a mystery in the scientific world: it is believed to account for most of the universe, yet it has never been directly observed. However, a recent study led by astrophysicist Sukanya Chakrabarti suggests that a trace of this elusive substance may have finally been detected.
The enigma of sub halos
The study proposes the existence of sub halos of dark matter in addition to the halo that surrounds our galaxy. These smaller clouds were previously just theoretical entities, too faint to be observed directly. However, recent observations suggest that they might be more prevalent than previously thought, potentially even larger in size than a full moon in the night sky.
Pulsars as sentinels in the dark
The study focused on 27 binary pulsar systems, which are neutron stars that emit regular pulses of radiation. These pulsars act as beacons in space, and any deviation in their emissions can indicate the presence of unseen forces surrounding them. By analyzing the orbital patterns of these pulsars, the researchers hypothesized the existence of a sub halo of dark matter with a mass equivalent to 10 million suns.
Implications for science
While this hypothesis is still in the validation process, the potential discovery of dark matter sub halos could revolutionize our understanding of the universe. By using pulsars as natural detectors, scientists may gain valuable insights into the formation of galaxies and the composition of the cosmos.
