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Discovery of Unusual Star System Challenges Astronomical Theories
Two astronomers have recently challenged the long-standing belief that a peculiar star system detected by the European Space Agency’s Gaia satellite was a mere star orbiting a black hole. Instead, their research suggests that the evidence points to an even more unusual possibility: a star composed of invisible dark matter. Though their research is still awaiting peer review, it was published on the preprint server arXiv on April 18.
The Peculiar Star System
The star system contains a sun-like star as well as an enigmatic heavy object, which orbits the sun-like star at a distance of 1.4 astronomical units every 188 days. The mysterious companion, with a mass of approximately 11 solar masses, is significantly more massive than its accompanying star, which weighs 0.93 times that of the sun and has a chemical composition similar to that of the sun.
Theory on the Companion
Scientists previously theorized that the companion was a black hole, given the observations relating to the orbital path. However, this theory is not without its difficulties. Black holes usually arise from the deaths of extremely huge stars, so it seems unlikely that a sun-like star could form in tandem with one of those massive stars. The pairing of such objects and their subsequent survival in orbit for millions of years would require a remarkable degree of fine-tuning.
Introducing the Boson Star
These challenges brought another possibility to mind: the companion may be a clump of dark matter particles, a suggestion proposed in the new study. Dark matter is an undetectable type of matter composing the vast majority of the mass of galaxies. One theory proposes that dark matter is a novel kind of boson particle, which does not carry a specific force, but instead permeates the universe entirely. Bosonic dark matter clumps up and forms objects of various sizes, including boson stars.
Characteristics of Boson Stars
Boson stars are undetectable as dark matter does not interact with other forms of matter or with light. The gravitational impact on their environment is their only observable distinguishing feature, such as if a regular star were in orbit around a boson star. The researchers stated that a simple dark matter boson model could account for enough boson stars to make the discovery of the peculiar star system plausible, and suggested that replacing the black hole hypothesis with a boson star explanation could account for all of the observational data.
Further Research and Implications
While it is improbable that the odd star system is indeed a boson star, the authors urged follow-up observations. This unique system presents a rare opportunity to investigate Einstein’s theory of general relativity’s behavior in strong gravity. Furthermore, if it is a boson star, it presents an ideal experimental setup, enabling scientists to explore their boson star theories and use the information to probe the universe’s enigmatic corners.
FAQs
What was discovered about the peculiar star system?
In contrast to the established idea that the peculiar star system was an instance of a star revolving around a black hole, research by two astronomers suggests that the evidence proposes it could be a type of star formed from dark matter that had never been encountered before.
Why was the black hole hypothesis deemed untenable?
Given the object’s orbital observations and path, scientists theorized that the companion was a black hole. However, the theory is beset with difficulties, particularly that black holes usually result from the death of tremendously immense stars. Hence, it is highly unlikely that a sun-like star could form in tandem with those huge stars.
What precisely is dark matter, and why is it challenging to detect?
Dark matter is an ultramundane type of matter making up the greater part of galaxies’ masses and remains undetected due to its invisibility. It does not interact with other kinds of matter or with light, thus making it challenging to observe or measure.
What are boson stars and how do they relate to dark matter?
Boson stars are conjectural objects that could be created from dark matter made up of boson particles. Bosons are particles that carry forces, and photons are bosons that carry the electromagnetic force. According to one theory, boson dark matter is a unique sort of boson capable of joining to make large clumps. The smallest clumps of bosonic dark matter could be as small as stars, and these hypothetical objects get a new name: boson stars.
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