Astronomers Explore Gamma Ray Mystery at Milky Way’s Core

Astronomers are investigating a peculiar glow of gamma rays emerging from near the center of the Milky Way Galaxy. This phenomenon has sparked significant interest in the scientific community, as two primary theories attempt to explain its origin: one suggests it results from collisions between dark matter particles, while the other attributes the glow to pulsars, which are rapidly spinning neutron stars that are remnants of supernova explosions.

A recent study published in the journal Physical Review Letters contributes to the ongoing debate by asserting that both theories hold equal plausibility. The implications of this assertion are profound. If the gamma rays are indeed linked to dark matter, it could provide the first concrete evidence for this elusive substance, which is believed to constitute more than 26 percent of the universe.

According to Joseph Silk, a coauthor of the study and an astronomy professor at Johns Hopkins University, “Dark matter dominates the universe and holds galaxies together. It’s extremely consequential, and we’re desperately thinking all the time of ideas as to how we could detect it.” He further noted that the gamma rays observed at the galaxy’s center could serve as a significant clue in this search.

In their research, Silk and his international team constructed a dark matter map, aiming to identify its potential locations. They posit that billions of years ago, smaller galaxy-like systems of dark matter merged at the Milky Way’s core, resulting in increased collisions among these clumps. By simulating these interactions, the researchers found their dark matter map aligned with existing gamma ray maps derived from data collected by NASA’s Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope.

Despite this intriguing correlation, scientists emphasize that the origin of the glow remains uncertain. The possibility that pulsars could be responsible has not been ruled out. To further investigate this celestial mystery, the upcoming Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory is expected to play a crucial role. This multinational project will feature 60 telescopes located in two regions: La Palma in Spain and the Atacama Desert in Chile, focusing on galactic sources of gamma rays.

Silk expressed optimism about the potential of this new telescope, stating, “A clean signal would be a smoking gun, in my opinion.” With higher-resolution images, researchers anticipate narrowing down the source of the enigmatic glow that has puzzled astronomers for decades.

In addition to studying the Milky Way, Silk and his colleagues plan to examine nearby dwarf galaxies to assess whether their dark matter distributions match existing gamma ray maps. “It’s possible we will see the new data and confirm one theory over the other,” he concluded. “Or maybe we’ll find nothing, in which case it’ll be an even greater mystery to resolve.”

As the exploration of dark matter continues, the scientific community remains eager for further discoveries that may illuminate our understanding of the universe.