The pursuit of understanding darkish matter, which contains 85 p.c of the universe’s mass, may take a major leap ahead with a close-by supernova. Researchers on the University of California, Berkeley, led by Associate Professor of Physics Benjamin Safdi, have theorised that the elusive particle referred to as the axion is perhaps detected inside moments of gamma rays being emitted from such an occasion. Axions, predicted to emerge through the collapse of a large star’s core right into a neutron star, may remodel into gamma rays within the presence of intense magnetic fields, providing a possible breakthrough in physics.
Potential Role of Gamma-Ray Telescopes
The research was revealed in Physical Review Letters and revealed that the gamma rays produced from axions may verify the particle’s mass and properties if detected. The Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope, presently the one gamma-ray observatory in orbit, would must be pointed immediately on the supernova, with the chance of this alignment estimated at solely 10 p.c. A detection would revolutionise darkish matter analysis, whereas the absence of gamma rays would constrain the vary of axion lots, rendering many current darkish matter experiments redundant.
Challenges in Catching the Event
For detection, the supernova should happen inside the Milky Way or its satellite tv for pc galaxies—an occasion averaging as soon as each few a long time. The final such prevalence, supernova 1987A, lacked delicate sufficient gamma-ray gear. Safdi emphasised the necessity for preparedness, proposing a constellation of satellites, named GALAXIS, to make sure 24/7 sky protection.
Axion’s Theoretical Importance
The axion, supported by theories like quantum chromodynamics (QCD) and string concept, bridges gaps in physics, doubtlessly linking gravity with quantum mechanics. Unlike neutrinos, axions may convert into photons in robust magnetic fields, offering distinctive alerts. Laboratory experiments like ABRACADABRA and ALPHA are additionally probing for axions, however their sensitivity is restricted in comparison with the situation of a close-by supernova. Safdi expressed urgency, noting that lacking such an occasion may delay axion detection by a long time, underscoring the excessive stakes of this astrophysical endeavour.
