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(Image credit: ESA/Hubble & NASA, A. Newman, M. Akhshik, K. Whitaker; CC BY 4.0)
Physicists’leading theory about the nature of deep space might be incorrect, a brand-new research study of oddly deformed light recommends.
The brand-new research study checked out 3 leading theories of dark matterthe undetectable things that comprises many
of deep space and offers structure to many galaxies, though we still do not understand precisely what it is.
To even more evaluate the nature of dark matter, researchers observe bent starlight from remote galaxies– a procedure called gravitational lensing– to discover important ideas about their covert architecture. And a brand-new paper released Jan. 23 to the preprint database arXiv showed up something remarkable: This deep lensing analysis decisively disfavors smooth dark matter lens designs and highly chooses fuzzy dark matter (FDM) over both the basic CDM and the more unique self-interacting dark matter design, which proposes that dark matter a little adheres to itself.
If it can be strengthened by more proof, this discovery exposes a fuzzier, more quantum-like truth that underpins whatever we understand.
Tastes of darknessAstronomers typically discuss various dark matter “flavors,” with 3 significant theories topping the menu.
In CDM– the leading theory– dark matter imitates a huge, unnoticeable cosmic scaffolding. It’s made from small, slow-moving particles. They clump together quickly, forming big unnoticeable structures, or “halos,” and numerous smaller sized clumps within them. These smaller sized clumps are subhalos, and they serve as gravitational anchors for galaxies.
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Self-interacting dark matteron the other hand, recommends those undetectable sand grains of CDM have a minor stickiness or friction when they run into each other. This additional interaction indicates that within thick clumps, the particles can move energy. It makes the centers of the clumps smoother. It can likewise trigger them to collapse in a different way.
The last, a la carte design of deep space is fuzzy dark matterAccording to this theory, rather of being made from unique particles, dark matter might be a quantum fog or soup made from extremely small, superlight waves. Due to the fact that of their wave nature, they can’t form incredibly sharp, little clumps like CDM. Rather, they produce fuzzy, rippling patterns, like mild waves on a pond. These still bend light, however in a more constant, less-distinct method than strong clumps would.
8 gravitational lenses identified by the James Webb Space Telescope. These cosmic magnifying glasses not just make remote things simpler to study, however likewise expose brand-new ideas about the method dark matter & acts. (Image credit: ESA/Webb, NASA & CSA, G. Gozaliasl, A. Koekemoer, M. Franco)A twisted spotlightThe brand-new research study, which has actually not been peer-reviewed yet, truly moves things. Researchers utilized gravitational lensing information from 11 galaxies– particularly from systems where light bends in specific, sharp methods– to evaluate how light bends around enormous items.
The smooth dark matter lens designs– the ones we got out of basic CDM– are decisively disfavored by the method light bends in the brand-new dataset. Rather, the information reveal a strong choice for fuzzy dark matter over both CDM and self-interacting dark matter. This strong choice for fuzzy dark matter continued even when the scientists made the lens designs more intricate, and after leaving out systems that may be screwed up by microlensing.
If fuzzy dark matter is the response, it totally moves our understanding of deep space’s basic foundation. It would imply dark matter is a quantum wave– that it is not made from discrete, slow-moving particles. Rather, deep space’s undetectable scaffolding would be more like a large, cosmic ocean with mild, rippling currents.
This truly alters how astronomers think of galaxy development and the structure of the universes. Our existing designs, which are based mostly on CDM, would require a severe rethink. This likewise opens a great deal of brand-new concerns. Researchers require to find out how this fuzzy things connects with routine matter. They likewise require to understand what these unique particles actually are.
We began this cosmic investigator story attempting to comprehend deep space’s real identity, its hidden architecture. For a long period of time, CDM was the prime suspect– a strong, reliable theory. The hints, specifically from bent starlight, do not rather healthy.
Now, with this smart brand-new analysis, we have an engaging piece of proof recommending deep space’s unnoticeable structure is much more unique and quantum than we ever thought of. It’s a suggestion that the universes constantly has more tricks to expose.
Hou, S., Xiang, S., Tsai, Y. S., Yang, D., Shu, Y., Li, N., Dong, J., He, Z., Li, G., & & Fan, Y. (2026, January 23). Flux-ratio abnormalities in cusp quasars expose dark matter beyond CDM. arXiv.org. https://arxiv.org/abs/2601.16818
. Paul M. Sutter is a research study teacher in astrophysics at SUNY Stony Brook University and the Flatiron Institute in New York City. He frequently appears on television and podcasts, consisting of”Ask a Spaceman.” He is the author of 2 books, “Your Place in the Universe” and “How to Die in Space,” and is a routine factor to Space.com, Live Science, and more. Paul got his PhD in Physics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2011, and invested 3 years at the Paris Institute of Astrophysics, followed by a research study fellowship in Trieste, Italy.
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