Scientists uncover the origin of three mysterious signals coming from the heart of the Milky Way - and say dark matter is responsible
Daily Mail • • science
Key Points:
- Scientists have identified 'excited dark matter' as the likely source of three previously unexplained signals emanating from the center of the Milky Way, including a sharp gamma-ray spike known as the 511-keV emission line.
- Excited dark matter particles collide and briefly jump to a higher energy state, releasing energy as electrons and positrons when they return to normal, which generates detectable signals in space.
- Data from the European Space Agency's INTEGRAL mission supports the model, showing positron collisions produce gamma-ray radiation matching the mysterious emissions observed.
- The model also explains the 2 MeV gamma-ray continuum from the galactic center and the unusually high ionization levels in the Central Molecular Zone's dense gas,
