Recent research conducted by scientists at the Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics Potsdam has identified a potential link between dark matter and the gamma ray excess observed in the center of the Milky Way. The study, published on October 19, 2025, in the journal Physical Review Letters, suggests that the distribution of dark matter in our galaxy is more complex than previously understood, supporting the theory that dark matter annihilation may be responsible for the excess gamma rays detected by the FERMI space telescope.
New Insights into Dark Matter Distribution
Traditionally, dark matter has been thought to form a spherical halo around galaxies. However, the latest findings indicate that this distribution is actually flattened and asymmetrical. The research team, which included collaboration from the Hebrew University in Israel and Johns Hopkins University in the United States, utilized high-resolution simulations to model the formation of galaxies akin to the Milky Way under conditions similar to those found in our cosmic neighborhood.
The simulations revealed that dark matter does not radiate uniformly from the Galactic Center, but instead is organized in a manner similar to stars. This new understanding challenges the previous notion that dark matter’s arrangement could not account for the spatial spread of the gamma rays. According to lead author Moorits Muru, “We analyzed simulations of the Milky Way and its dark matter halo and found that the flattening of this region is sufficient to explain the gamma ray excess as being due to dark matter particles self-annihilating.”
Gamma Ray Excess Explained
The gamma ray excess, first detected by the FERMI telescope, sparked widespread debate among astronomers. Two primary theories emerged: one proposed that the excess was caused by ancient millisecond pulsars, while the other suggested dark matter particles colliding and annihilating each other as the source. Both theories present challenges, but the new research provides compelling evidence favoring the latter.
“When the FERMI space telescope pointed to the galactic center, the results were startling. The telescope measured too many gamma rays, the most energetic kind of light in the universe. Astronomers around the world were puzzled, and competing theories started pouring in to explain the so-called ‘gamma ray excess,'” stated Noam Libeskind, a researcher at the Leibniz Institute.
This research marks a significant step forward in the ongoing quest to understand dark matter. The findings suggest that the hunt for dark matter particles that can self-annihilate should be intensified, as these particles may hold the key to solving one of the universe’s greatest mysteries. The implications of this study not only enhance our understanding of the Milky Way but also contribute to the broader field of astrophysics.
As scientists continue to explore the properties of dark matter, these findings may pave the way for future research and discoveries that could reshape our understanding of the universe.
