Researchers say the odd signal detected with the help of the XMM-Newton spacecraft comes from no known particle or atom

Dec 12, 2014 09:16 GMT  ·  By

Researchers with Switzerland's École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne and their colleagues at Leiden University in the Netherlands believe to have finally found tangible evidence of the existence of dark matter in the universe.

Specifically, these scientists say that, while looking at data obtained with the help of the European Space Agency's XMM-Newton X-Ray observatory, which was launched back in December 1999, they pinned down an odd cosmic signal that corresponds to no known particle or atom.

The researchers claim that, all things considered, it is possible that this signal, which they describe as a peculiar spike in X-ray emissions stemming from the Andromeda galaxy and the Perseus galaxy cluster, might originate from dark matter.

First things first, here's what dark matter is all about

In a report documenting their work, the researchers behind this investigation explain that dark matter neither emits nor absorbs light or electromagnetic radiation at a detectable level. Hence, it cannot be observed directly with the help of telescopes.

The reason astronomers know that dark matter does exist and is not pure fabrication is that it interacts gravitationally with the run-of-the-mill matter that we can see and even touch. Thus, the properties of dark matter are inferred from its effects on the appearance and evolution of the cosmos.

Scientists say that the gravitational forces of visible matter alone cannot fully explain the movement of objects through the universe. Consequently, it is argued that the cosmos also packs an invisible kind of matter that, although not interacting with light, manifests itself through its gravitational pull.

Information obtained while studying the dynamics of stars and galaxies indicates that there is a whole lot of dark matter in the universe. Specifically, it is estimated that it accounts for roughly 80% of all the matter in the cosmos, EurekAlert tells us.

Finding tangible evidence of dark matter

The École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne and Leiden University researchers say that, after collecting signals emitted by Andromeda and Perseus, and mixing and matching them to well documented particles and atoms, they were left with an odd signal that appeared to have no source.

The scientists explain that, in the X-ray spectrum, this signal appears as an odd and fairly weak photon emission. It is believed that it is the result of the destruction of a hypothetical dark matter particle known as a sterile neutrino. It is theorized that, during their destruction, such particles emit X-rays.

“The signal's distribution within the galaxy corresponds exactly to what we were expecting with dark matter, that is, concentrated and intense in the center of objects and weaker and diffuse on the edges,” researcher Oleg Ruchayskiy wished to stress.

If the signal detected by these scientists in the Andromeda galaxy and the Perseus galaxy cluster really does come from dark matter, the find will surely forever transform our understanding of the universe and revolutionize particle physics.

As Oleg Ruchayskiy put it, “It could usher in a new era in astronomy. Confirmation of this discovery may lead to construction of new telescopes specially designed for studying the signals from dark matter particles. We will know where to look in order to trace dark structures in space and will be able to reconstruct how the Universe has formed.”

To learn more about dark matter and the signal argued to confirm its existence, check out the video below.

Scientists claim to have found evidence of dark matter (5 Images)

Distant signal might be tangible evidence of dark matter
The signal was detected with the help of the XMM-Newton X-Ray observatoryResearchers have so far detected the signal in the Andromeda galaxy and the Perseus cluster
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