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galaxy clusters dark matter axion discovery

Physicists Use Galaxy Clusters to Uncover Clues of Elusive Axion Particle and Dark Matter

Galaxies containing black holes release immense amounts of energy and light, including γ-rays (left panel). If axions are real, some of these γ-rays would, in theory, transform into axions (a) as they pass through the magnetic fields of galaxy clusters. Owing to the complexity of these magnetic fields, such a conversion cannot be traced in a single observation, producing noisy data (centre panel). Yet, when evidence from many galactic systems is combined, a step-like pattern begins to emerge (right panel). Credit: Lidiia Zadorozhna.

Introduction

Physicists at Copenhagen University have turned to the colossal magnetic fields within galaxy clusters, using to probe remote black holes while seeking a particle that has long eluded discovery.

A story marked by extremes that defy easy understanding.

Galaxy Clusters and Axions

Galaxy clusters, the universe's heaviest structures, outweigh the sun by a quadrillion fold, while axions remain lighter than the faintest atom.

The axion, a proposed fundamental particle, may provide crucial insight into dark matter, thought to comprise around 80% of the universe's mass.

For decades, researchers have failed to verify axions. But using a clever method based on far-off galaxies, physicists in Copenhagen could be edging nearer to success.

The Universe as a Natural Accelerator

Rather than relying on a terrestrial particle accelerator such as CERN, the scientists turned to the universe itself as a colossal accelerator. They focused on electromagnetic radiation from brilliant, far-off galaxies, each harbouring a supermassive black hole at its heart.

Tracking Radiation Through Galaxy Clusters

Researchers followed the radiation through the colossal magnetic fields surrounding galaxy clusters, where a fraction might theoretically shift into axions. The shift would register as slight, chaotic flickers within the data, but these are so faint they vanish into the background murmur of the cosmos.

New Strategy: Observing Supermassive Black Holes

In response, the team devised a new strategy. They observed 32 supermassive black holes situated behind galactic clusters and integrated the data obtained.

Upon analyzing the data, the researchers were astonished to find a pattern bearing a striking resemblance to the long-sought axion particle.

The Breakthrough Findings

Distinctive Patterns in Data

"Ordinarily, signals from such particles are erratic, appearing as little more than random noise. Yet by pooling data from numerous sources, we discovered that the noise resolved itself into a distinct, recognizable pattern," said Oleg Ruchayskiy, Associate Professor at the Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen and lead author of a Nature Astronomy paper exploring axion-like particles.

The Cosmic Staircase Signature

He continued: "The pattern resembles a staircase, a signature of how this transformation may unfold. At present, the signal is no more than a subtle hint in the data, but it is compelling—akin to cosmic whisper finally rising to be heard."

Nearing the Revelation of Dark Matter

 The scientists findings may not offer absolute proof of axions, yet the study led by Ruchayskiy and colleagues advances our comprehension of dark matter.

Narrowing the Axion's Possible Locations

"This approach has significantly advanced our knowledge of axions. It allowed us to chart a vast region where the axion is absent, thus narrowing the field of possible locations," explains Postdoc Lidiia Zadorozhna, a Marie Currie fellow at the Niels Bohr Institute and one of the paper's leading authors.

Beyond Gamma Rays

Although this experiment concentrated on gamma rays, the technique is equally applicable to other forms of radiation, such as X-rays.

Future of Axion Research

"This discovery excites us greatly, for it is not merely a one-off step forward. The technique pushes beyond prior boundaries and charts a new course for exploring such elusive particles. It is repeatable across different energies and mass ranges by multiple teams, enabling us to add vital clues to the puzzle of dark matter," explains Zadorozhna.

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