Scientists have detected strange chemical activity at the center of the Milky Way that could indicate the existence of an unknown type of dark matter. The study, published in Physical Review Letters, suggests that the mysterious energetic processes could be caused by collisions between dark matter particles that are lighter than previously thought.
Dark matter is one of the central mysteries of the universe. It is invisible and does not interact with ordinary matter, but it is estimated to make up up to 85 percent of the universe’s total mass. Scientists have long believed that it is made up of massive particles, but new data suggests that it is made up of particles of light that collide with each other and create streams of charged particles.
Scientists previously suggested that cosmic rays, fast, energetic particles that penetrate space, might be the cause. However, researchers now believe the energy source is slower-moving than cosmic rays and has less mass than the previously thought dark matter particles.
